CULTURE
Vision Polk County will become a cultural destination by aligning opportunities that transform community through creativity , diversity and identity .
Craig Collins , Ph . D ., Southeastern University
Elizabeth Hults , Community Volunteer
Meri Mass , Polk Arts Alliance
CULTURAL LEAD TEAM
In the spring of 2016 , leaders from various arts , culture and heritage organizations convened to discuss ways in which the variety of cultural experiences available in Polk County could be leveraged to make Polk County a cultural destination . Cultural experiences can range from visual & performing arts to parks and historic preservation sites .
The Team recently conducted a limited scope analysis of Polk ’ s inventory with regards to image , young artist development , resource availability , collaboration , economic impact , and market awareness of the cultural opportunities in our county . At this time , the Team is developing a survey to gauge what types of cultural events Polk County residents attend and with what frequency . They will use the information gathered to develop strategies to create and promote diverse cultural , artistic and recreational opportunities in the county .
Complementing the Team ’ s work , the Polk Arts Alliance is participating in the national America for the Arts ( AFTA ) Economic Impact Study , “ the Prosperity Report 5 ,” on behalf of the non profit arts organizations in the County . Polk Arts has asked each art organization to conduct surveys on their events . Polk Arts Alliance will report the survey data to AFTA . The study will run from January to December 2016 . The national report , to be published mid 2017 , will show the economic impact of the arts in Polk County .
Tracy Mullins , BoCC
Claire Orologas , Polk Museum of Art
Tina Peak , City of Lake Wales
Trish Pfeiffer , City of Bartow
Harriet Rust , Community Volunteer
Anita Strang , Main Street Winter Haven
Daryl Ward , Ph . D ., Harrison School for the Arts
Chelsea Young , City of Mulberry
Myrtice Young , Polk County History Center
“ Polk Vision is important to Polk County as it provides a countywide collaboration of leadership , programs , and resources working together to build and sustain a desirable , preferred community . As Polk County ’ s Historic Preservation Manager for the Polk County History Center , I am devoutly committed to preserving the county ’ s rich and fascinating history so that our heritage can serve as a gateway for our future . As a long-time resident of Polk County , I am fervently interested in participating with Polk Vision as we work to achieve key community benchmarks .”
– Myrtice Young , Polk County Historic Preservation Manager
“ Polk Vision has galvanized some of the best minds in our county to address the most pressing and complex issues that affect the lives of our citizens . It is inspiring to witness and participate in real collaboration , and to see real progress .”
– Claire Orologas , Executive Director , Polk Museum of Art
Additional reflections from members of our Board of Directors
“ Polk Vision is the one place where all stakeholders can come together for the betterment of Polk County . The alignment process will bring awareness to the priorities and needs of our communities and will bring resources together that will improve the quality of life for all .”
– Hunt Berryman , School Board Member , Polk County School Board
“ As County Manager , I am engaged because Polk Vision and the Board of County Commissioners are both countywide organizations strongly focused on developing effective , long-term strategies to enhance the quality of life and economic prosperity in all areas of Polk County .”
– Jim Freeman , Polk County BoCC
26
“ I am involved in Polk Vision because my personal strategy in life and my profession is “ Making a difference !” Polk County is my place of birth and I am a fourth generation native . Polk County is where I live , work and play ! The Strategies of Polk Vision , created by Polk Citizens , impact all of us ! Especially , the future of our children and grandchildren . We have to make changes to create a better Polk ! You cannot make a difference if you are not involved !”
– Marsha Faux , CFA , ASA , Polk County Property Appraiser