4.2b Village Arts Foundation

As discussed in the SWOT Analysis in Section 3, one of the most prevalent complaints we heard from artists in the area was the effort required by each of them to market themselves individually, when collective action could be far more impactful and far less burdensome. Currently, it is almost as if the agglomeration potential of the eleven galleries in the neighborhood is ignored, and though the Village is discussed as an arts district, aside from the Village Harvest mural and a couple random sculptures, actual evidence of art activity is limited. It is expected for this to improve as more development leads to infill on vacant lots, providing additional foot traffic and hopefully gallery space. Fortunately, the conservation district board may be able to assist in advocacy for retail spaces in new construction to be leased as studios at affordable rates.

Through a foundation, the Village’s artists could advocate for their own donations and give the neighborhood its own name, as Greenville’s Metropolitan Arts Council supports artisans overall, but has not pushed for a geographically-specific arts district. The foundation would have its own social media accounts, website, and could design banners, flyers, and other materials used to promote the Village and this unique use.

Nearby Asheville, NC has mastered the urban design elements of an arts district. By requiring ground-level studio and retail spaces to be occupied by artists who are open to the idea of allowing the public to walk into their studios and interact with them on a daily basis, and allowing those wishing to work in a more private environment to find spaces on non-street facing floors, the city has ensured their arts district remains active and engaging. By adopting language that supports this into development regulations (ex. excluding studios closed to the public from the ground floor in “shopfront” districts), or working with the future Village Arts Foundation to find a soft agreement, Greenville’s art activity will be brought to life for the curious public.

From there, the foundation could also be responsible for coordinating artistic/artisan events in the Village. This task may not require any dedicated employees, but could continue to be accomplished by those who organize First Fridays at Brandon Mill, simply under the new Village Arts Foundation brand.

Overall, each of these activities will continue to be impossible when left to individuals, so by creating a strong foundation that can double as a non-profit vehicle, the Village can better showcase its existing artists and attract new ones. Section 5.2 offers further suggestions.

Over-the-Rhine’s non profit organizations, 3CDC (Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation) and OTR (Over-the-Rhine) Foundations have been a basis for great change and revitalization in an area that was once recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” in 2006 (OTR Foundation, n.d.). Similar to the Village of West Greenville, the City of Cincinnati and its resident’s respect and value Overthe-Rhine’s historic resources, and they chose to build on this as a pathway toward their intended community revitalization. Over-the-Rhine is also taking on a fresh, artistic character, similar to the Village, and is positioned as a secondary city hub outside of downtown, meaning it shares much in common with the Village of West Greenville.