Apr 25, 2018
(WARSAW, NY) – The Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism office is pleased to announce the findings of the recently completed Wyoming County Arts and Culture Marketing Plan that was completed as part of the Wyoming County Rural Arts Initiative, a partnership of the Wyoming County Planning & Development Dept., Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism, Arts Council for Wyoming County, and Wyoming County IDA.
Findings from the research study indicate that Wyoming County has great potential to be an arts destination. The work of the Arts Council for Wyoming County and the variety of existing visual and performing artists have helped to strengthen the local arts economy. The County already has many appealing arts and cultural activities, which makes it already a day trip destination for the greater region.
The study found that Wyoming County's authentic and organic arts industry was already a strong story, and one that can be amplified through multiple marketing avenues and existing programs. It recommended that the County’s Chamber and Tourism office act as the appropriate arts and cultural marketing resource as tourists naturally view tourism agencies as trusted resources when looking for information on an area. The objective is then to direct tourists to the events, attractions, and arts based businesses of interest to the traveler while exposing them to other amenities like restaurants and lodging.
The marketing research for the study took place over a seventh month period beginning in May 2017. The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism office lead the effort and retained local marketing consultant Pilar McKay to conduct the research and case studies; host focus groups; and compile the data into the final marketing plan. The project was made possible by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts through the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.
“By building on a strong foundation of arts and cultural offerings, we can leverage our existing tourism platforms to attract visitors and continue to grow and create outstanding visitor experiences,” said Director of Tourism Eric Szucs. “Our organization has a strong partnership with the Arts Council and we look forward to working together to promote and grow the arts and cultural sector of Wyoming County.”
"This marketing project, as part of the Wyoming County Rural Arts Initiative, shows how strong our arts industry is locally. As we continue to work with our partners at the county - including the IDA, BAC, and Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism - we are encouraged that together we can help strengthen opportunities for our local artists and arts organization," Jacqueline Hoyt, Executive Director of the Arts Council for Wyoming County.
"We are encouraged that the variety of both visual and performing arts was recognized as a strength of our arts industry. The Arts Council considers our ability to serve so many different types of artists in their profession a great success for our organization." continued Jacqueline.
The Wyoming County Rural Arts Initiative (WCRAI) at its core seeks to enhance the vibrant arts community that already exists within Wyoming County, by creating an atmosphere in which creative art of all kinds can thrive. The WCRAI generally seeks to support existing artists in the County and to offer a place for artists currently living outside the area to come and share their inspiration, creativity, and art.
A major component of the initiative was the Wyoming County Rural Art Initiative Microenterprise Program (WCRAIMEP), which concluded at the end of 2017. Wyoming County was awarded $200,000.00 in December of 2015, as part of a successful application through the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. It recruited start-up and existing businesses specifically involved in creative arts. The program offered grant funding uniquely tailored to assist 12 artists in establishing and enhancing their businesses. The recipients were from diverse backgrounds and several have fully realized the successes of the program and have flourished.
The funding to complete the NYSCA supported “Wyoming County Arts and Culture Marketing Plan” complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $5.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places across the Finger Lakes as a destination to grow and invest in.
The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership and advocacy organization for local and regional economic growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the area’s economic and tourism assets; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County. The key programs and services of the organization are educational seminars; leadership development; business assistance and guidance; cost-saving opportunities; advocacy; recognition, networking, exposure and promotional opportunities. For more information or to become a member please call (585) 786-0307 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org.
For over forty years, the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) has created opportunities to bring arts into their rural communities through programming, grants, and art events. The ACWC is also Wyoming County’s NYSCA Decentralization Site for Community Arts Grants. In addition to yearly programming, the ACWC produces the Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show and Sale. For more information on membership or advocacy in the arts, please visit
www.artswyco.org.
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