Rockford Area Arts Council marks first year of cultural plan

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Area Arts Council celebrated the first anniversary of its cultural plan at the ‘State of Culture’ event held at City Stage Studios.

The event marked a year since the implementation of the Rockford Region Cultural Plan, which focuses on advocacy and policy, youth and arts education, neighborhood and space development, and inclusivity and intersectional collaboration.

“Increasing the level of arts in Rockford improves the city overall,” said Mary McNamara Bernsten, executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council.

The ‘State of Culture’ event featured creative activities such as a digital animation project by arts educators from Auburn High School and a community quilt project by local artist Molly Carter.

The event also included a panel discussion where speakers talked about how the cultural plan is being integrated into various agencies’ strategic plans.

Bernsten highlighted the economic impact of the arts, noting that for every dollar created in the creative sector, $0.58 is generated in eight other sectors.

She emphasized that a vibrant arts and culture community attracts people to move to and stay in Rockford, contributing to workforce development.

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