By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
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ONEONTA _ A festival, calendars and media promotions could help Oneonta develop its arts and entertainment sector, participants at a summit said Thursday night.
Members of the newly formed Oneonta Arts and Entertainment Task Force and other supporters of local cultural organizations were among about 60 people at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center.
Mayor Dick Miller convened the Mayor's Arts and Entertainment Summit No. 2 to review an organizational plan for the task force and its goals. The panel exists to "coordinate, enhance, facilitate, communicate, translate, represent, include, initiate and implement" ideas, resources, programs, educational activities and other missions, he said.
The task force is designed to be inclusive of artists, arts and cultural organizations and is not intended "to direct," he said.
Miller said Main Street Oneonta, and specifically its events committee, will organize, stage and promote activities. The task force will work with MSO, a group that promotes downtown merchants and businesses. Miller said the two organizations will lead separate lives but must work together in this effort to improve the local economy and draw visitors to Oneonta.
Task force chairwoman Kellie Place said the next step is for the panel to meet. Miller will provide guidance and focus, she said.
"He's got a focus on improving Oneonta, and that's what we really need," she said.
"Oneonta has a lot to offer" but needs an organizing initiative, she said.
The panel will develop a database of arts and entertainment individuals and organizations, and assist in establishing a calendar and in implementing some events, the mayor said.
State Sen, James Seward, R-Milford, applauded the mayor's efforts to convene the summits. He was at Thursday's meeting, he said, to find out about the project, which he said is a "work in progress" that will have positive results as it moves forward.
"Arts and entertainment are very, very important to Oneonta and this area," Seward said.
Speakers at the summit reiterated concerns about publicizing events and developing calendars.
Local artist Charlie Bremer suggested a festival be developed during the summer and include artists, performers and other cultural events because such an event would promote the area's vast pool of talent and creativity. The festival could present activities at 30 venues and in multiple genres, he said.
"I love the idea," Miller said.
The first arts summit in January attracted about 85 people, and Miller said he was delighted with turnout at each session. The response and participation bodes well for the efforts, he said.
After the task force has time to develop ideas, another summit may be held, perhaps in three months, Miller said.
No city financial resources are to be requested at this time, the mayor said. However, a request for money from the Common Council could be made in response to a specific plan developed by the task force and MSO.
