The URL can be used to link to this page

Agenda 06/23/2020 Item #10A (Industrial Park - Naples Art District)06/23/2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to direct the County Manager to work with the County Attorney to bring back a resolution at the next Board meeting designating the area located in the District 2 Industrial Park area as the Naples Art District. OBJECTIVE: To have the Board formally recognize this area as a thriving art district and allow for proper signage and designation of the district. CONSIDERATION: In 2006, a handful of artists located in the industrial park north of Pine Ridge Road and west of Airport Road began working together to market the area as an art destination. The number of artists in the area grew steadily and for more than a decade, the Naples Art District (NAD) has been the umbrella organization for this alliance of independent painters, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, woodworkers and more. At 70 members, NAD is now the largest concentration of professional working artist studios and galleries in southwest Florida. These businesses have worked together to define their purpose and market the area as a destination. NAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit alliance that is focused on developing a destination art district and raising awareness about the arts in Collier County. NAD patiently waited for the completion of the Collier County Strategic Cultural Arts Plan before reinstating their request to formalize the designation. The adopted cultural arts plan recommended a County designation program for multiple cultural arts districts throughout the county. The Board deferred this request until the plan was completed. With the plan complete and the County reopening slowly after the shutdown from Covid-19, NAD feels now, more than ever, is the right time to complete the formal designation process. The designation will not modify the zoning nor change any requirements in the Land Development Code (LDC). What it will do is allow for signage on the periphery of the art district that will assist in identifying the area and help drive visitation to these businesses. This request furthers multiple goals and objectives of the study and supports the growing art community in Collier County. We should embrace the initiative by NAD and encourage other art and culture areas within the County do the same. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: The proposed designation is consistent with the goals and objectives of the GMP. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The attached agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Office of the County Attorney for content and legal sufficiency. RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation to direct the County Manager to work with the County Attorney to bring back a resolution designating the area located in the District 2 Industrial Park area as the Naples Art District. 10.A Packet Pg. 454 06/23/2020 Prepared By: Andy Solis, District 2 County Commissioner Attachments: Naples Art District Proposal ATTACHMENT(S) 1. County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (PDF) 10.A Packet Pg. 455 06/23/2020 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 10.A Doc ID: 12703 Item Summary: Recommendation to direct the County Manager to work with the County Attorney to bring back a resolution at the next Board meeting designating the area located in the District 2 Industrial Park area as the Naples Art District. (Commissioner Solis) Meeting Date: 06/23/2020 Prepared by: Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager – County Manager's Office Name: MaryJo Brock 06/17/2020 3:04 PM Submitted by: Title: County Manager – County Manager's Office Name: Leo E. Ochs 06/17/2020 3:04 PM Approved By: Review: Office of Management and Budget MaryJo Brock Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Skipped 06/17/2020 3:04 PM County Attorney's Office MaryJo Brock Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Skipped 06/17/2020 3:04 PM County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 06/17/2020 3:46 PM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 06/23/2020 9:00 AM 10.A Packet Pg. 456 %FBS$PVOUZ$PNNJTTJPOFST The Naples Art District Inc. [NAD], is requesting the formal designation of “Cultural Arts District” consistent with recommendations to enhance cultural tourism in the recently approved Collier County Strategic Arts & Culture Plan. We are also requesting preliminary approval of street signage similar to other county cultural tourism assets. The Collier County Strategic Arts & Culture Plan, unanimously approved in March 2020, has overarching goals of enhancing the cultural vitality of Collier County and creating greater awareness of Collier County’s cultural arts assets. The ﬁndings of this county-wide research validates the need to “create and enhance vibrant art hubs within the County” (2. 4 Draft Plan) and recommends County designations for “multiple cultural arts districts throughout the county including assistance with branding, signage and promotion” (2.4.1 Draft Plan). This plan’s “Vision for Tomorrow,” elevates the cultural and creative sector, enabling our local artists and arts organizations to thrive. Overall, the Strategic Arts Plan emphasized an “opportunity snapshot” to support the creation of cultural arts districts in the city and county. The research summary in the Strategic Plan concluded that: -72% of respondents choose to go to art galleries/art studios more than any other art venue including art museums (only 49%) or multi-purpose art venues (56%) -82% of respondents felt the top priorities for Collier County should be making the arts more accessible -85% want free or low cost arts opportunities -47% do not attend because they do not hear about opportunities The Naples Art District is a vibrant alliance of over 65 local artists, and is a unique cultural asset in Collier County. Nowhere else within the county can such a large concentration of working artist studios be found offering no cost open studio tours, artist demonstrations, regularly scheduled public events and an abundance of art classes/ workshops with skilled local artists. Our artist alliance includes woodworkers, ﬁber artists, glass & mosaic artisans, 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 457 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) photographers, ceramists, silversmiths, woodworkers and painters working in watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, encaustics, collage and mixed media. The Naples Art District provides many free opportunities for visual arts awareness and education for everyone in our community. Our working artist studios are a unique cultural tourism destination within Collier County but regrettably, the Naples Art District remains a “hidden gem” with no approved street or wayfaring signage to enable county residents, tourists, and visitors to ﬁnd Collier’s largest concentration of working artist studios. The Naples Art District, Inc. requested a Collier County designation as a Cultural Arts District in the spring of 2019. At that time, County Commissioners felt this designation should be postponed until the Strategic Arts Plan was completed and approved. Our vibrant artist alliance missed a full year of creating greater public awareness and visibility for this unique Collier County cultural arts asset, reducing our artists’ ability to contribute to the economic health and well-being of our community. Artists in our community were further impacted by the shutdown of all county activity due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Naples Art District, Inc. respectfully requests County Commissioner approval for the Cultural Arts District designation and approval for appropriate street signage . This designation will enable us to develop our cultural tourism branding and begin design for wayfaring signage approvals within our business neighborhood. The Strategic Plan’s ﬁndings encouraged the county to “remove barriers to the development of creative hubs and the promotion of existing hubs”. The research indicated that 82% of survey respondents wanted “more county wide support for the arts”. County approval for a Cultural Arts District designation for the Naples Art District, Inc. is a no cost/low cost step toward fulﬁllment of the Strategic Plan’s “Vision for Tomorrow.” Sincerely yours, Paula Brody, President The Naples Art District is a 501c-3 non-proﬁt organization in Collier County. Our mission is to provide our community, and its visitors, with a unique visual and cultural destination that promotes the arts and art education for all ages. 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 458 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) Formal Request for Designation of the Naples Art District, Inc. as a Collier County Cultural/Arts District On behalf of over 65 local artist members of the Naples Art District, Inc. (NAD), we are requesting the Collier County Board of Commissioners approve the designation of the Naples Art District, Inc as a County Cultural/Arts District and preliminary approval for approved street signage to designate this cultural tourism asset. The recently approved Collier County Strategic Cultural Arts Plan recommended “a county designation program for multiple cultural art districts throughout the county including assistance with branding, signage and promotion. (Draft Plan 2..4.1)” This Cultural Arts District designation would reap significant economic and cultural tourism benefits for residents, visitors and tourists in and beyond Collier County consistent with the recommendations of the newly approved Collier County Strategic Cultural Arts Plan which promotes “the elevation of the arts, cultural and creative sector of Collier’s economy and emphasizes the need to make the arts more accessible to all.” The Strategic Plan research showed that 72% of survey respondents prefer to visit art galleries/art studios, more than any other art venue including art museums (49%) or multi-purpose art centers (56%). The Naples Art District, Inc., a creative hub with over 65 working artist studios, is a unique cultural tourism asset in Collier County. Nowhere else within the county can such a large concentration of working artist studios be found offering free open studio tours, artist demonstrations, regularly scheduled public events and an abundance of art classes/workshops. Our working artists are skilled in various visual arts; our membership includes fiber artists, glass & mosaic artisans, photographers, ceramists, silversmiths, woodworkers and painters working in a variety of media—watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, encaustics, and collage. The Naples Art District provides an engaging opportunity for visual arts awareness and education for everyone in our community, residents, tourists, and convention visitors alike. It is a creative hub and unique cultural tourism destination within Collier County. Highlights of the recent research conducted for the Cultural Arts Plan emphasize “the importance of creating greater visibility and branding awareness of all of the cultural arts assets within our community”. The Strategic Plan research found that “nearly half of survey respondents (47%) do not attend cultural activities due to lack of awareness of opportunities available.” Art is essential to vibrant and economically successful communities. The Naples Art District, Inc. with our 65 working artist studios and galleries tucked among businesses catering primarily to the home design industry, is a hidden gem within Collier County. 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 459 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) No other art venue features a significant concentration of working artists, art demonstrations, art classes, signature art events, and art studio tours. Unfortunately, as the research indicates, few residents, visitors and tourists in Collier County are even aware of this significant array of artist studios or know how to find these working artists. Naples Art District, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit alliance of 65 working artists whose art studios are located in the industrial park bordered to the south by Pine Ridge Road , to the east by Airport-Pulling Road, to the west by Taylor Road, and to the north by Trade Center Way. (see attached map). As stated in our by-laws, “Our mission is to provide our community, and its visitors, with a unique visual and cultural destination that promotes the arts and art education for all ages.” The Naples Art District is experiencing rapid organic growth. In the last five years, the number of artists working in the industrial park has more than doubled. Whereas in 2015-16, NAD had 29 member artists now, our vibrant alliance has over 65 working artists. In this past year alone, ten (10) additional artists chose to locate their studios within our district’s boundaries and joined NAD. With the Cultural Arts District designation, we believe the growth or this unique concentration of artists can be further accelerated. The Strategic Plan research indicated that 85% of respondents want free or low cost cultural arts opportunities and 44% of survey respondents felt the cost of art events is too high. Collier County residents, visitors and tourists can spend an engaging day exploring the Naples Art District, meeting our local artists and watching art come alive—all at no cost. Our regularly scheduled “First Wednesday” and “Third Saturday” ART ALIVE events are also free and open to the entire community. Street signage and wayfaring signage throughout our neighborhood would enable the many hundreds of tourists and residents wishing to visit the Naples Art District to find our neighborhood and our working studios. The Naples Art District is supported by a growing number of greater Naples businesses. Many of our design business neighbors within the industrial park collaborate with us and contribute to our non-profit to further our mission to strengthen visual arts awareness and arts education within Collier County and Greater Naples. Fifth Third Bank, Private Capital Management, International Design Source and many other local businesses have become generous supporters of the Naples Art District enabling us to expand the advertising of our signature ART ALIVE events. The Naples Art District has recently established an Advisory Council of community and business leaders to enable us to expand our base of generous corporate & individual donors. How does the Naples Art District benefit County residents & tourists? 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 460 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) As local artists, we share our love of art by teaching those with disabilities and those who are economically disadvantaged. We work in collaboration with other non-profit organizations within Collier County and the greater Naples area. Grace Place, Collier Child Care Resources, Guadalupe Center of Immokalee, Naples Senior Center, Empty Bowls, the STARability Foundation, Pace School for Girls, Legal Aid Services, United Arts Council, Naples Art, and Youth Haven are but a few of the many non-profit organizations that benefit from the talent and volunteer activities of our artist members. In keeping with our NAD mission, our member artists offer multiple arts education opportunities for people of all ages and economic ability in our working studios. Naples residents & visitors discover and enhance their creativity through participation in painting, drawing, collage, photography, pottery, glass, mosaic and fiber arts classes offered within the Naples Art District. Many of our working artists teach master artist workshops and other classes at Naples Art (Association) and the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs. Many of our artists show their artwork at the juried art shows in downtown Naples, Bonita Springs and surrounding areas and many travel, especially in the summer, to juried shows around the country. One of our member artists was recently selected as one of only four Florida artists featured in the “Florida Contemporary” show at Artis-Naples. Our member artists are well known for their leadership within the local arts community, actively participating with other local arts organizations including The United Arts Council of Collier County, Naples Art, and many others. We open our studios to community group tours and provide live artist demonstrations for many local organizations and businesses. For example, Greater Naples Leadership, the Naples Board of Realtors, the Women’s Cultural Alliance, the Newcomers Group, and the Parkinson’s Association. Various neighborhood groups throughout Collier County have asked to tour the Naples Art District or to hold group activities in our artist studios. We have also accommodated numerous requests from groups from the East Coast and Sarasota wanting to tour the Naples Art District. Studio tours can also be arranged for convention visitors. The Strategic Plan found “that making art had the highest appeal for family activity and recommended use of the arts to draw off season visitors to the county. . We see many future opportunities to further enhance arts education and awareness for the entire community. We can envision the Naples Art District hosting family art activity days to engage the community in the summer and shoulder seasons. We’ve had many requests for a summer arts camp for adults and numerous inquiries about children and family arts activities throughout the year. The reputations of many of our NAD member artists could enable us to create a series of multi-day Master Classes that could draw visitors from around the country wanting to study with our local artists in the shoulder seasons. We would need marketing support 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 461 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) for this new initiative but it would likely be a very successful collaboration with the Collier County tourism council. What benefit can the designation of a Cultural Arts District enable the Naples Art District to provide to our business neighbors? Designation of the Naples Art District as a County Cultural Arts District will stimulate economic activity for all of our business neighbors potentially revitalizing the entire industrial park. A collaborative partnership with Collier County will help to achieve greater visibility not only for the working art studios but also for our neighbors in the home design and décor businesses. Greater visibility for the District may also encourage new businesses into this lively hub of cultural arts and home design. We envision significant potential for turning the Naples Art District into a thriving cultural tourism destination. The Strategic Plan encouraged shared marketing and audience development along with cross-sector collaborations outside the arts. We are working closely with our neighboring design and decorating businesses to premier a multi-day ART & DESIGN EXPO event that we hope will draw hundreds of new visitors to the Naples Art District from within and beyond Collier County. This crossover collaboration is designed to increase the visibility of all of the businesses surrounding our working art studios. The Naples Art District premier ART & DESIGN EXPO was scheduled to debut March 19-22, 2020 and regrettably, was postponed to November 19-22 due to the emergence of Covid-19. For future EXPOS, we envision the Naples Trolley moving visitors throughout the district, with food provided by our local eateries, and live music or performances complementing the wide array of visual arts and home design offerings in our industrial park neighborhood. Another crossover collaboration between original art and original cuisine is “PALETTE TO PALATE” —our NAD artists painting live at locally owned “Naples Originals” fine restaurants throughout the county which was scheduled for April 29 & 30, 2020 and regrettably cancelled due to Covid-19. We hope to reschedule this live painting event, ideal for stimulating business in the off season, in November 2020. We have recently begun a new NAD initiative to create “crossover” awareness of visual art by local artists in a wide variety of county locations, Collier County History Museums, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, The Naples Historical Society, Fifth Third Bank and Landmark Hospital are among several Collier County locations where we have exhibited artwork created by our member artists. We plan to expand this initiative into many more “crossover” locations in the coming years. What are the economic benefits of a Cultural Arts District Designation? 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 462 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) The Strategic Plan encouraged the removal of county regulatory barriers for signage and permitting, encoring the creation and promotion of creative hubs. Over 80% of survey respondents prioritized “making the arts more accessible and felt connectivity was lacking due to lack of marketing.” The Strategic Plan emphasizes “the need for more effective arts and cultural activities promotions/communications.” One of the first goals for the NAD, with designation as a Cultural/Arts District, would be county approved signage at the entrance to Shirley Street, and optimally, at J & C Boulevard and Trade Center Way. Street signage would promote recognition that Collier County is home to one of the largest concentrations of working artists in Southwest Florida. We are requesting approval for a street sign similar to other county cultural venues. A Cultural Arts District designation could create significant economic stimulus for the entire area. Increased visibility and revitalization may attract additional businesses and artisanal eateries, coffee shops, and perhaps even a bakery into the industrial park. Street signage would increase business traffic and promote economic viability not only for the NAD artists but for the many design businesses, and home decor shopping opportunities throughout the industrial park. Equally important would be consistent and attractive Naples Art District wayfaring signage throughout our neighborhood similar to the pole banner signage approved in the Bayshore Arts District and other areas within Collier County. (see examples in appendices) When art abounds, everyone benefits. We envision future public art installations and guest artists of national/international repute exhibiting in the artist studios within the Naples Art District. Additional multi-disciplinary cultural arts activities would bring more Collier County residents and tourists into the Naples Art District for performances and exhibits. Some musicians have already moved their rehearsal spaces into the neighborhood. We can imagine a Black Box theatre moving into an empty warehouse, more awareness of the dance classes and performances at the Naples Ballroom on Trade Center Way and perhaps more foreign films showing at the neighboring Hollywood movie theatre. As visibility for this designated Cultural Arts District grows, we envision more artists being attracted to Naples as their future home. Visual artists are especially drawn to the natural beauty and ambiance of this Paradise Coast. The lure of a vibrant visual arts peer community is an added irresistible attraction for local artists. Conclusion 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 463 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) The Strategic Plan recommended “removal of county barriers to the creation and promotion of creative hubs”. (Draft Plan 1.6.2). The plan concluded that “82% of survey respondents want to see more county wide support for the arts”. The Naples Art District has grown organically into the largest concentration of artist studios and galleries in Southwest Florida. It is a unique cultural tourism asset within Collier County yet it has been a hidden treasure here on our paradise coast. Collier County has the opportunity to greatly increase the visibility and viability of this community economic, cultural and social asset by formally designating the Naples Art District as a County Cultural/Arts District. Approval for a Cultural Arts District for the Naples Art District is a no cost way to take one small step toward achieving the goals of the new Strategic Arts & Culture Plan. We are formally requesting this County Cultural Arts District designation with preliminary approval for consistent, attractive signage in order to make the Naples Art District and all the other businesses in our industrial park to thrive. Clearly, supporting and promoting the vibrancy of this cultural tourism asset, with such a high concentration of working artists studios is a win-win-win for all involved. With this designation, we look forward to making significant cultural tourism contributions to the economic health and creative well-being of our community. Respectfully submitted, The Naples Art District, Inc. Paula Brody, President 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 464 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) Appendix 8IBUJTUIFIJTUPSZPGUIF/BQMFT"SU%JTUSJDU *OD In 2006, Richard Rosen, a sculptor whose working studio is located on J & C Boulevard, gathered together 4 other artists/studio owners located in the industrial park to discuss the possibility of forming a united effort to promote greater awareness of this concentration of local artists. This initial meeting led to the a group of sixteen (16) artists’ studios in the industrial park uniting with the intention of promoting this art hub to the public. A signature arts awareness event, initially known as “Underground Art Wednesday”, evolved from that first meeting in 2006, This free public event was held on the first Wednesday night of each month from November through April. It attracted not only Naples residents and visitors wanting to meet artists in their working venues but also many other working artists intrigued to see where they too might find affordable, comfortable working studio space. This original alliance of 16 artists has blossomed into a vibrant network of over 65 independent painters, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, fiber artists, mosaic & glass artisans with potential for continued growth. There is tremendous talent among the growing number of artists attracted to our paradise coast, seeking to locate their working studios within the Naples Art District. 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 465 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) Cultural Arts Districts in other communities serve as a model for the Naples Art District, Inc.. Cultural Arts Districts have stimulated tourism and area development in communities all across the country. A wellspring of creative activity revitalizes a neighborhood, stimulating both the social and economic health of a community. These very successful arts districts serve as models for our growth. Many counties have designated enterprise zones for significant concentrations of artists and art/cultural programming and events and offer zoning and regulatory incentives to encourage artists and small businesses to move into designated Cultural Arts Districts. According to Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org), the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $135.2 billion in economic activity nationally every year. The River Arts District, Asheville, North Carolina www.riverartsdistrict.com The now thriving River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina is a model for expanding, branding and marketing the full potential of the Naples Art District. Artists in Asheville needed affordable rent and large working studio spaces. A mile- long industrial zone east of the railroad tracks in Asheville had many aging and empty warehouses. Asheville visionaries within the arts community saw the possibilities for urban revitalization. Within two decades, the River Arts District has become a vibrant neighborhood filled with artistic creativity, commerce, and entertainment. Clusters of cafes, eateries, bookstores and small businesses surround over 200 artists’ studios & galleries in the River Arts District, now a vibrant tourist attraction for Asheville. Area businesses came together to raise funds for the branding and marketing initiative which identified the River Arts District as a popular destination for art lovers, residents, and tourists alike. The 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 466 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) River Arts District now has consistent and attractive signage leading residents and tourists into this cultural hub. Color-coded wayfinding pole banner signs designate the artists’ studios and other inviting venues in an area that has become a significant economic boom for Asheville. . •Wynwood Arts District, Miami, Florida www.wynwoodmiami.com The Wynwood Arts District serves as another model for the possibilities of revitalization of an industrial area into a thriving economic area influenced by the creativity of local artists. Miami’s Wynwood Arts District is well-known internationally as a cultural arts destination attracting visitors from around the world. Originally a run-down warehouse and manufacturing area within the city, local working artists formed the Wynwood Arts District Association and began a planning process with the city and local businesses. This collaboration led to the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) with a defined mission “to solidify Wynwood as a globally recognized center for art, creativity and culture with visibly clean and safe streets while enhancing the streetscape, artistic programming and neighborhood advocacy to promote Wynwood pedestrian activity and sense of place”. Today, with attractive wayfaring signage and its iconic building murals, this Miami Cultural Arts District proudly features its’ slogan that “There is more to Miami than just the Beach!” •Miami’s Cultural Arts Neighborhood District Overlay (CANDO) CANDO offers tax benefits and zoning incentives for property owners who rent to artists, writers, musician, dancers and designers in Miami. These tax benefits and zoning incentives are important to ensure that artists are not priced out of affordable rentals as tax revenues and property values increased significantly with the growth and popularity of the cultural arts attractions. •Other Florida master art plans. Within Florida, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando and Tallahassee are moving forward with master plans for art venues in certain designated areas of their cities. Bradenton’s “Village of the Arts,” an eclectic live & work artist neighborhood, has morphed from a run-down area in the city into a definitive tourist attraction and hub for the arts with 40 galleries, new restaurants and retail development through a partnership with the city that includes grants for improved lighting, landscaping, and facade improvements. 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 467 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District) Examples of Wayfaring Pole Banner Signage within Collier County 10.A.1 Packet Pg. 468 Attachment: County Final Paula CPG copy r1 (12703 : Naples Art District)