Potential School/Center for Art & Craft in Northern Pennsylvania

A concept under development to investigate, identify and define a feasible, appropriate model that will:

• Provide substantial return on investment
• Create jobs and other revenue-generating opportunities
• Stimulate regional tourist visitation (and spending)
• Offer a way to brand the region
• Foster destination stewardship

This is the first project of the Craft Development & Marketing Initiative Fund. Formed initially by a generous donation from the Trask Family, the Fund is administered by the Northern Tier Cultural Alliance. In addition to exploring the feasibility of a School of Art & Craft, the Fund will also be used to generate public awareness, interest, and public/private partnerships that support a regional Craft Development & Marketing Initiative. An 18-member Advisory Committee – comprised of local and regional leaders representing civic groups, business, arts, and academia – will confer on and guide in the development and implementation of the Fund.

Meritage Consulting – a cultural heritage tourism firm based out of Charlotte, North Carolina – has been contracted by the Craft Development & Marketing Initiative Fund’s Steering Committee to develop a “Craft Center Business Plan. Meritage Consulting will work in the region from February – December 2008, and provide periodic updates on findings and developments.

The consulting team includes three national experts in craft, economic development and cultural heritage tourism:

• Becky Anderson (retiring executive director of HandMade in America);
• Cheryl Hargrove (first heritage tourism director of National Trust for Historic Preservation); and
• Carole Summers Morris (former cultural heritage tourism director for the Commonwealth of Kentucky; tourism director for HandMade in America)

Creation of the plan will include five steps:

We welcome continued feedback from our local and regional communities throughout this Feasibility Study process. Comments or questions can be directed to Carole Summers Morris, Meritage Consulting, 4701 Heatherton Place, Charlotte, NC 28270; carole@meritage-consulting.com; or via fax to 704-321-1620.

For additional information on the Craft Marketing & Development Fund, the Feasibility Study or NTCA, please contact:

Jennifer Swain, Executive Director
Northern Tier Cultural Alliance
One Washington Street, Suite A
Towanda, PA 18848
570-265-7455
Fax: 570-265-4558
jenn@ntculturalalliance.org
www.ntculturalalliance.org