The Challenge of Technology
Internet technology has advanced tremendously since its formation in the late 20th Century and shows
no signs of slowing down. It is not unreasonable to expect that individual use of the Internet will
be as common as television or telephone within the first few decades of the 21st century.
Businesses that rely on local patronage are already struggling with the impact of the Internet. As it currently
exists, the Internet does not have much in the way of directories and search facilities that serve locally based businesses and organizations.
There is much discusson on the Internet about "communities" but these are not geographically based - they are
specialty interest based. The few city-based directories that exist can be hard to find and even when an Internet
visitor can find them, they present only a small percentage of the businesses and organizations that
are in that city.
This presents a very real problem for locally based businesses. Online businesses that do not
have the expense of physical outlets offer similar or the same type of products and services
at lower prices and invest their marketing dollar on Internet promotional methods.
This makes them easier to find on the Internet and they are able gain a greater market share.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the creative arts.
It's very simple: The creative arts are attractive, entertaining and extremely beneficial to
the life of any city or community. Cities that have an active creative art community featuring
local exhibitions, performances and events become an entertainment destination for their
own residents and are much more attractive to live in. Cities that are poor in the
creative arts are often neglected and their residents patronize their art-rich neighboring cities.
This also works out on the Internet. People love art. They like attractive, innovative and
entertaining websites that are feature-rich. They love a sense of community and sense of belonging.
Why not combine the attractive and beneficial power of the creative arts with the needs of local communities and
start using Internet technology to promote both? This is what our City Directory project is all about.
Arts + Technology + Business = Winning Communities
The City Directory Program combines the arts, technology and business to create
a program that connects local businesses and organizations to their local artists and
musicians, working together to make their community a destination in its own right.
Its starts with an online community directory that is as complete as possible, that lists as many
of the local businesses, organizations, artists and musicians as can be tracked down and added to the
list.
It features a community calendar that is available in a monthly print version, that local businesses
keep on hand so residents can pick them up. The print calendar promotes the online calendar and
directory.
Local businesses can sponsor and host exhibitions at their locations, which are promoted in the calendar.
They can also help by becoming a ticket outlet for various community events and exhibitions.
Each city directory page lists the local businesses, organizations and artists/musicians
for that city, using a standard format. Everyone gets a listing, membership in Creative Way USA is not required for
inclusion in the directory.
Creative Way USA Member Listings
Listings for members of Creative Way USA will have a special
gold emblem that identify them as members and show their level of membership.
The higher the level of membership, the higher the placement of the listing in the directory.
Every membership will have its own emblem, including the free membership class.
Members that have websites can choose to include "More Info" button that
links to their website. They can also choose to have a "Specials" button that links to
a specific page on their website that features their special offers. These buttons are available to
all membership classes except the free memberships.
Click here to see a sample directory page showing the a sample directory page..
This is a program that can breath life and vitality into our communities, create essential creative arts programs
that can reduce youth problems, provide funding for arts education programs, help support
non-profit organizations and stimulate economic growth. It creates a truly useful city directory that
serves local residents and makes it easy for them to access their community information.
Its an ambitious project. It will take a lot of work to accomplish this. But if community members
get behind it, it can be done. We are starting off our programs in the cities of Montrose, Sunland, Tujunga, Woodland Hills,
Riverside and Redlands in California. As we work, we will set the pattern for future cities, including
city start-up kits, policies and planning tools. Eventually we hope to span the United States.
How to Get Involved
Start by applying for membership. If money is tight, you can get started by becoming a
basic member. Basic membership is free and doesn't cost anything but a few minutes of your time.
Better yet, register as a paid member. Every membership sign-up brings us that much closer to
realizing our goals.
Take a minute and sign up today.
Will you help us? Can you contribute to this effort?
Do you have feedback or ideas that could help move this project forward? Let us know. We want to hear from you.
Buy tickets to our events - tell people about this website.
Talk to your fellow business people and to your fellow artists. Spread the word. If you are a member of another non-profit organization, don't
hesitate to contact us about collaborative efforts.
Want more information about the benefits of the Creative Arts? These reports will give you an
overview of the statistics and findings of many national level studies.
