Cultural Center Needs Assessment is Complete
Arlington County, in partnership with Webb Management Services Inc and Alan S Brown Associates has completed a Needs Assessment & Business Plan for Arlington County
Cultural Arts Facilities. A variety of conclusions are in the report, including:
- Arlington has a remarkably high percentage of young, single adults working in professional, technical and government jobs. Yet, according to both consumer
analysis and anecdotes from arts groups, this is not currently an active audience segment.
- Arlington County demographics – especially high education levels – indicate high levels of interest in cultural programs. The audience mapping and market analysis
indicates there are significant untapped audiences.
- There are a number of facilities in Arlington County, each a busy and useful space. However, there are no high-quality, professional, stand-alone theaters of any
capacity. Signature Theater’s new building is the notable exception.
- There are dozens of arts groups, old and new, in Arlington. Many of these groups are served well by the existing facilities. However, a number of groups are ready to
graduate to better facilities in order to grow artistically and financially, and to find new audiences.
The report also recommends the development of new facilities, whether at Courthouse Plaza or an alternate location, including a multi-purpose 500-seat theater and
a smaller, high-tech black box space seating 150-200 for film, experimental work, theater, dance and some music.
Although a longer-term demand was found for a larger theater seating 1,000 or more, it was concluded that the demand was not pressing and there is no immediate
recommendation for development. In addition to performance spaces, gallery space, classroom and workshop space, studios and rehearsal space and a centralized box office
were also recommended for development.
Resources
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