Loudoun Forward‘s first issue paper, covering arts and culture in Loudoun County, Va., has been researched, written and is in final production for distribution and posting online.
Scheduled topics:
- Arts and Culture
- Technology
- Education
- Governance
The project’s editorial team, comprised of four members of the project’s Advisory Panel and several advisors, have repeatedly tweaked the outline of the issue brief as they wrestled with digesting and articulating the important role of arts in society in a manner that would encourage citizens to become involved, said Managing Partner David Wiseman.
“There is convincing evidence that the arts and entertainment sector of any economy plays a pivotal role in its quality of life,” Wiseman said. “The role of arts in communities like Loudoun — an affluent, fast-paced outer suburb experiencing exponential growth and change — can be particularly important because the arts offer the potential for engaging citizens and enabling them to not only work and live but also play in their own backyards.”
The topic of arts and culture was selected to launch the project because members of the Loudoun Forward Advisory Panel — a diverse group of business, civic and public leaders — felt the issue receives “only cursory and event-oriented treatment in the local media” yet it has significant implications for the county’s future prosperity.
The project will post the white paper on the Loudoun Forward website, mail it to households in key parts of the county, and seek to have it distributed and discussed through local civic associations and businesses. The white paper will also serve as proof of concept for potential funders of Loudoun Forward.
Among the points is addresses are the impact of arts and entertainment on economic and social prosperity, what role they play in current county planning, what happens if the county does not support arts and entertainment, and how to move forward.
Wiseman said that the project has benefited from substantial in-kind contributions, particularly from its web development partner.
