What | Where | Who | Why

In 2003, a communitywide cultural plan identified a strong need for rehearsal spaces, classrooms, offices, studios, storage, and other support spaces for community arts organizations, as well as a wider need in the community for convention space.

The plan called for the establishment of two Cultural Districts, one of which is the Gaines Street area, and the development of “a plan to establish a multi-purpose cultural support center, preferably in one of the Cultural Districts.”

Read the Capital Cultural Plan (5 mb)

As a result of the plan, a citizens committee appointed jointly by the Mayor and the County Commission and staffed by COCA, researched facilities with similar missions around the country. The committee held public meetings and surveyed in detail the needs of area arts organizations and individual artists.

COCA and the committee made contact made with Artspace Projects, Inc., the nation's leading non-profit developer for the arts. Based in Minneapolis, Artspace has successfully developed almost two dozen similar facilities across the United States. Representatives from Artspace visited Tallahassee and left extremely positive about the project's potential.

From Artspace's report of November 2006:

"Clearly, based upon the needs assessment, the market exists for a multi-functional arts campus/park to serve the space needs of a number of vital nonprofit arts organizations."

and

"Artspace believes that the project concept, involving the redevelopment of an underutilized city-owned property in a light industrial section of the community, is sound.  Moreover, the particular 'Art Park on Gaines' concept of creating spaces for artists to live, work, exhibit, perform and conduct business is an excellent one."

Read Artspace's early analysis

Using private funding, COCA contracted with Artspace and Swan Research to conduct a full market study of the housing and space needs of artists, arts organization, and arts-related businesses. The findings of this study confirmed the need and market readiness for the project, and fueled the decision to proceed with the development.

From Artspace's analysis:

"The survey responses indicate a strong need for live/work and studio or work space for individual artists, as well as for space for arts and cultural organizations and creative businesses that would serve those living, working, and doing business in Tallahassee. You will be pleased to know that the survey found strong support within the arts community for this project to move forward..."

View full survey results

Read Artspace's analysis of the survey results

See Artspace's public presentation of the survey results

 

What | Where | Who | Why