How Healthy Are The Arts in Essex County?

The U.S. Census may be behind us. But the Local Arts Index Project has just begun. The Montclair Arts Council has announced that it has been chosen by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to participate in the Local Arts Index Project, which will focus on measuring the health and vitality of the arts industry at the county level. MAC is one of only 100 local arts organizations from around the country—and only one of two in New Jersey, along with Monmouth County Arts Council—to be participating in the AFTA project.

The 18-month initiative, which springs from the AFTA's National Arts Index, officially kicked off in June at the Americans for the Arts' Half-Century Summit held in Baltimore. Board Chair Phoebe Pollinger represented the MAC in a series of orientation meetings attended by approximately 90 of the 100 participants. "Our first assignment was to identify and discuss the kinds of 'indicators' which could be collected in our respective counties which would demonstrate and reflect the health and vitality of the arts/creative economy," said Pollinger. "Montclair residents will soon become involved during the information gathering process and we hope our creative economy participants will stand up and be counted and provide valuable information."

The MAC has been a leader in Montclair in the area of economic development with such programs as its cultural tourism Web site DestinationMontclair. The MAC has also played an important role in community development with participation in such initiatives as updating the Township of Montclair's Master Plan.