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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV.A.1 - HPAC Proposal to Lease 213 Ramsey Street Proposal for Leasing of 213 Ramsey St Facility by Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC) To: City of Hastings, MN Subject: Proposal for the Use and Management of 213 Ramsey St, Hastings, MN Introduction The Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC), founded in 2008 by a group of dedicated citizens, has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant arts community in Hastings, Prescott, and surrounding rural communities. Over the years, HPAC has grown to become a multifaceted organization that not only organizes events and programs but also serves as a fiscal sponsor for emerging nonprofits, such as the River Valley Band and River Valley Chorale. We provide scholarships to aspiring artists of all ages, offer grants to groups creating local opportunities for the arts, and connect artists and creative groups with other sources of financing and support. Additionally, HPAC is responsible for innovative initiatives like the RAP (Rec Art and Police) program, sponsoring Coffee Concerts at the Hastings Arts Center, and serving as an incubator for artists through gallery openings at the Orange Dragon in Prescott and public art displays including the sculptures lining the Historic Riverwalk in Hastings. Our mission is to foster the arts in our community, making them accessible to all while enhancing the cultural fabric of the arts in our communities.. Leasing 213 Ramsey St to HPAC, will allow us to further this mission by expanding our programs and providing a dedicated space for artists, students, and community members. Community Impact and Benefits • Supporting Artists and Arts Education • Artists and Creatives: The proposed space at 213 Ramsey St will provide affordable arts education and a show gallery for local artists. This will enable them to develop their craft, showcase their work, and engage with the community. It will also serve as a venue for art classes and workshops, offering education in drawing, painting, and other art forms to people of all ages. • Emerging Artist Development: The HPAC Arts Scholarships program has already provided numerous community members with the opportunity to explore their artistic talents. With the new facility, we can expand these offerings, ensuring that more people have access to arts education. • Community Engagement and Inclusivity • Seniors and Accessibility: HPAC has a longstanding commitment to engaging seniors in the arts, such as the free arts activities at the Hastings Senior Health and Living Center. The fully ADA-compliant facility will ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities can easily access and participate in our programs, promoting inclusivity and lifelong learning. • Diverse Programs: The facility will host a variety of community events, from writers’ workshops to knitting circles, catering to diverse interests and ensuring that all community members find a place to connect and express themselves. • Economic and Cultural Revitalization • Boosting Local Economy: By creating a vibrant arts center, we will attract visitors to Hastings, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the economic vitality of our city. The gallery and studio spaces will also provide opportunities for local artists to sell their work, further stimulating the economy. • Enhancing Cultural Identity: The arts play a crucial role in defining the identity of a community. The new HPAC facility will enhance Hastings’ reputation as a city that values creativity and cultural expression, making it a more attractive place for residents, businesses, and tourists alike. • Collaborating with Local Businesses: HPAC plans to collaborate with the local business community to create community-wide art crawls and open studios, especially on First Fridays. We envision working closely with the Hastings Arts Center, local retailers, and others who sell or showcase art. This collaborative effort will not only enhance the area as an emerging arts district, but also ensure that our activities complement existing initiatives rather than replicate them. • Partnerships and Legacy • Building on a Strong Foundation: HPAC’s projects such as the Orange Dragon Art Gallery in Prescott, and participation in the Chamber of Commerce Rivertown Days Arts and Crafts area have already made a significant impact on the community. Having a dedicated space at 213 Ramsey St will allow us to continue these successful collaborations and create new ones, ensuring a lasting legacy of cultural enrichment for generations to come. • Clear Mode of Collaboration: We are committed to working together with all local arts organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to ensure that our efforts are complementary and not duplicative. By maintaining open lines of communication and a clear mode of collaboration, we can effectively leverage each other’s strengths and resources to build a more robust arts community in the Hastings - Prescott region. Conclusion Leasing 213 Ramsey St is a critical step in HPAC’s mission to build a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving arts community for Hastings, Prescott, and surrounding communities. This facility will enable us to expand our programs, support local artists, and provide meaningful cultural and educational experiences for all residents. We believe that this project aligns with the city’s goals for economic development, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. We are particularly excited about the potential to collaborate with local businesses and arts organizations to establish community-wide art events and to enhance our sister communities as a destination for the arts. Our commitment to collaboration will ensure that we work in harmony with other stakeholders, creating a cohesive and flourishing arts district. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the City of Hastings to make this vision a reality and to continue building a legacy of arts and culture that benefits all members of our community. Thank you for considering our proposal. Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC)