Assets

The Memphis region is an important cultural center recognized around the world for its contributions to music and entertainment.
Memphis is known worldwide for its music and unique, diverse cultural assets. The greatest concentration of culture and arts facilities is located in the Memphis metro area and serves the larger region. Regional and perimeter cities, including Clarksdale, Holly Springs, Forrest City, Osceola and Helena have specialized museums and arts centers. These resources include performing and visual arts centers, history and science museums, and a well-known zoo and aquarium. Also, several of the surrounding cities feature significant national/regional events like Helena's annual King Biscuit Blues Festival.

The Memphis region has a wide variety of culture and arts assets.
The area's arts and cultural resources are located in three main clusters. The first is in the downtown and midtown area that includes Beale Street, Mud Island, Libertyland, the Blues Foundation, Wonders, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum and various visual and performing arts venues. Additionally, a state-of-the-art performing arts facility is being built in downtown Memphis. The second cluster is in the Overton Park area and includes the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium and the Memphis College of Art. The third cluster includes the University of Memphis Visual and Performing Arts campus facilities, The Pink Palace Museum and Audubon Park. In addition, Germantown Parkway (located at the 15-mile ring) boasts Ballet Memphis and the Germantown Performing Arts Theater.

Other events draw upon a regional audience such as the International Barbecue Championship, part of the widely known Memphis in May International Festival, which has a significant impact on the Memphis metro.

Important and unique facilities are located throughout the region.
Throughout the region, from Jonesboro to Tupelo, there are numerous local and regional visual/performing arts facilities, events and outdoor festivals that encompass everything from historic walking tours to barbecue cookoffs. For instance, in Jonesboro, Arkansas State University is home to a museum, a fine arts center, galleries and a performing arts center. Several regional museums are scattered throughout the area including the St. Francis County Museum in Forrest City, the Tipton County Museum in Covington and the Northeast Mississippi Museum in Corinth. In addition, several famous Blues-related facilities, including the Delta Blues Museum, are housed in Clarksdale. Oxford is a literary center that has influenced many notable writers and serves as an incubator of literary talent from Faulkner to Grisham.

Memphis has a very active cultural community.
Many regional groups and individuals in the community work hard to make Memphis an important venue for area residents to enjoy various cultural events. To reach a broader audience, the Memphis Arts Council works with regional rural art councils to provide cultural opportunities for smaller communities.

Recommendations

Complete a report on the economic impact of cultural activities.
The impact of culture and arts programs on the region's economy should be assessed and quantified so these culture and arts resources can be effectively connected to the region's economic development efforts. Communicating facts about the region's cultural and arts offerings to local, regional and global audiences is significant to the future success of these activities and facilities. A full range of print and electronic media should be used to maximize the delivery of these key messages.

Develop a comprehensive regional culture and arts plan.
Cultural activities and arts facilities help build a favorable image and identity for the Memphis region. They significantly add to the quality of life of the region's citizens, and are an important economic development tool. Unfortunately, despite its strong cultural assets, many people within the region do not fully understand the important role that culture and arts have played in the region's development and economic growth. A comprehensive and integrated cultural plan that sets priorities and matches areas of need with funding can be an important tool for building public, private and state support for cultural activities in the region. The entire region should be engaged in the planning, pragmatic coordination, and development of culture and arts programs.

Create a regional "umbrella" culture and arts organization.
The Memphis region has a strong foundation of arts facilities and programs that require significant funding and audience growth to maintain and enhance their level and quality. A regional organization to oversee culture and arts resources could streamline the fundraising process by serving as a liaison between the various cultural organizations/institutions and prospective contributors. By having a group in place, regional fundraising, marketing goal setting and prioritizing, could be expedited and effectively coordinated so cultural activities in the Memphis region can flourish and prosper.

Urban design and public art are important to the future of our community.
New concepts in urban design standards can provide the guidelines for creating new suburban developments that have a stronger urban fabric, more sense of community and engender a higher level of civic identity. These standards provide a new alternative to the traditional automobile oriented suburb. Public art can enrich the lives of all citizens in the Memphis region. Enhancing the existing urban areas and new suburban areas through a program in public art can beautify the area by creating new landmarks and strengthen the visual quality of the environment.

Culture builds Memphis.
The Memphis Region is rich in cultural assets. The internationally recognized music and history of Beale Street, a collection of historical and art museums, and a variety of sports facilities all contribute to the economic vitality of the Memphis region, making it one of the country's most highly recognized cultural destinations. Yet, the development of our cultural assets is not limited to economic impact alone. Our cultural attractions also play an important role in physically rebuilding our region, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and reshaping the lives of our citizens. Based upon the premise that culture builds community, this regional strategy for the Greater Memphis area call for the combined strength our cultural assets to work together to enhance the development of our young people; stimulate job growth; and empower our communities toward greater civic change. Crossing the boundaries of city, county, and state, "Culture Builds Memphis" is the foundation upon which our region can achieve its greater potential for healthy and sustainable communities.

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