City of Tucson Announces State of Culture Report
Mayor Regina Romero and the City of Tucson are proud to announce the publication of the State of Culture Report, a new and comprehensive overview of our cultural ecosystem and our current conditions. This report is the first major milestone of the Somos Uno Cultural Heritage Strategy that seeks to establish a robust operational framework to sustain and amplify Tucson’s rich, diverse cultural heritage, and creative communities. This strategy was first unveiled by Mayor Romero at the 2021 State of the City address, and she has made it a priority to honor this heritage and bring to light the significant economic impact of Tucson’s creative industries.
The State of Culture Report provides a common foundation of information on Tucson’s cultural landscape for artists, cultural bearers, cultural organizations, policymakers, patrons, funders, and residents to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing local history, heritage, and arts and culture. The report results in emerging insights that will inform the strategies and recommendations in the future Cultural Heritage Strategy for Tucson, due to be released later this year.
“This report is more than just a foundation – it’s a springboard for growth and opportunity," said Mayor Regina Romero. "As we move forward, hand in hand, to preserve and elevate Tucson’s rich history, heritage, arts, and culture, I’m calling on every resident and community member to join in. Your voice, your passion, and your engagement are what will transform this information into real, impactful action.”
City Manager Tim Thomure also commented on the report: “The State of Culture Report helps us to understand the full scope of our City’s diverse cultural ecosystem. As we move toward a Final Cultural Strategy, it’s important for our community to share feedback on how to continue to preserve and enhance these tangible and intangible cultural assets.”
Residents are invited to read the report and provide additional input on the next phase of the cultural planning process, which will focus on forming the priorities, strategies, and actions that will be included in the final Cultural Heritage Strategy for Tucson.
Opportunities for Input on the Report and Cultural Planning
The City of Tucson will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., to share the emerging insights of the State of Culture Report and gather further input, feedback, and reflection from community members. Attendees may register using the Eventbrite link found on the ¡Somos Uno! web page, or at the link provided at the end of this release, to receive a Zoom meeting invitation from the City’s consultants, Lord Cultural Resources. Registrants will be asked to indicate which of the eight insights they would like to discuss during a breakout session at the meeting.
More Info
The City of Tucson, its cultural planning consultants, and the Somos Uno Steering Committee - made up of history, heritage, arts and culture leaders - combined their expertise and lived experience with in-depth research and analysis to produce eight high-level insights about the state of cultural heritage in Tucson.
These insights emerged from the input of 2,000 residents and community members over a six-month public engagement process, in-depth research of three comparable cities nationwide, an inventory of cultural assets, a high-level assessment of cultural heritage infrastructure and funding, and an economic and fiscal impact analysis. Details of each of these research activities are available in the full State of Culture Report on the City’s ¡Somos Uno! web page linked below.
State of Culture Full Report PDF
State of Culture Report At-A-Glance Summary PDF
State of Culture Report Executive Summary PDF
¡Somos Uno! Web Page
Register for the Virtual Public Meeting
###
|
