Arts and culture plan draws positive feedback, projections for increased demand

Hundreds of residents have weighed in so far on how they would like to see arts and culture evolve in the city.

A survey by Keen Independent Research, which is facilitating the city’s arts and culture plan, drew 649 respondents, while nearly 150 people provided feedback at a public meeting or in interviews and focus groups.

Keen is an arts, culture and economic consulting and research firm that works with arts and cultural organizations nationwide, including cities, theaters, museums and libraries.

“These are really, really useful tools for the city to understand what is the strategy relating to supporting arts and culture, what is its involvement, what is the expectation from the city,” said Alex Keen, principal of Keen Independent Research.

Support for the arts and culture in the city is strong in Sioux Falls, and the community wants to see additional investment in it, according to the survey.

It found:

• 75 percent thought Sioux Falls has a dynamic arts and culture scene, while 11 percent did not.
• 60 percent thought Sioux Falls is a destination for arts and culture, while 20 percent did not.
• 63 percent thought Sioux Falls provides opportunities for local artists and creative workers, while 14 percent did not.

“It’s our belief that they (arts and culture) shape quality of life, they help attract and retain talent. They strengthen neighborhood identity and community connection,” said Jennifer Hoesing, chair of the Sioux Falls Arts Commission.

“The engagement … surfaces needs for us but has also really highlighted the pride and creativity and sense of ownership that residents feel about arts and culture here in Sioux Falls.”

Sioux Falls already is doing things well, including funding for arts and culture, installing public art and hiring staff to support arts and culture.

“We have found Sioux Falls in a really great place. You’re doing great work already,” Keen said. “So this plan will really help guide the city and give strategy around how to continue to support arts and culture, and really it’s infrastructure like anything else and so that’s why you have to plan for it.”

After assessing things like theaters, galleries and libraries, “for a smaller community, you have a lot of amazing assets,” he added. “And we verified that by going and touring those spaces. This is a really well-supported community, particularly in performing arts infrastructure. You have great theaters. They’re really impressive.”

Demand is expected to increase for a variety of arts-related offerings, led on a percentage basis by opera, theater and classical music.

“You’re really well positioned already to meet that demand, but in some cases, it may double depending on the art form, so we’ll need to be ready for that,” Keen said. “It’s a good problem to have.”

As work moves forward on a new arts and culture plan, a number of themes emerged, including that people want to see more of an arts and culture presence beyond downtown.

Those who provided input also are hoping to see more sustained funding for the arts, with a focus on affordability to access them, as well as more spaces to create, rehearse and perform.

A broader goal could be to establish Sioux Falls as a regional or even national arts destination.

“Arts and culture is about your economy. It’s about attracting talent to the community. It’s about attracting visitors to come spend their money,” Keen said. “That investment pays off with economic impact.”

According to the survey, 89 percent wanted to see more spaces dedicated to arts and culture activities in Sioux Falls, while 90 percent thought the city should expand opportunities for arts learning and creative education for residents.

Consultant recommendations, an action plan and final report are expected this spring.

“We’ve been really impressed with Sioux Falls,” Keen said. “You’re all doing amazing things.”