Hi, Bill Bulick here, a consultant to the CreateAustin cultural planning process, which began in September. I live in Portland, but come to Austin about once a month for interviews, forums and meetings – and to take in as much of Austin’s creative activity as possible. Meanwhile, I am in constant contact with many there, via the web, email and phone. Many have noted a simpatico between our two cities and I would agree – both are creative, open, progressive and off beat – livable. Let’s keep it that way!
So what is CreateAustin all about? One way I describe it is a series of conversations about how and why the arts, culture and creativity matter in Austin, and what we intend to do to continue “building a culture of creativity.” The idea of having these conversations in diverse – both real and virtual – settings is to engage as many as possible in coming to some agreement and action – to make Austin an even better place. As one person said, “we’re cook’n up the rocket fuel to blast Austin’s creative sector to the next stage.”
There is plenty of information about the CreateAustin process and outputs on the official City site (click on the link in the upper left hand corner). What we hope this site will do is blow open the doors to more free-wheeling conversations - as well as permit creative expression to be a visceral aspect of our process – “cultural expression becoming cultural policy.” Soon, we’ll be posting info about how you can contribute your ideas, images, video, poetry – whatever – to the site. With your help, we can create art about planning instead of just planning about art. You can also use this site as a way of connecting with other creatives (the single most powerful wish expressed at the large “creative professionals roundtable” in December).
Most of all, we hope that you will take ownership of this site – make it what you will. All we promise to do is listen and look – real hard! Oh, and post a question or suggestion now and then.
