PARK CITY, Utah — In a significant step towards enhancing the creative landscape of the region, the Park City Council and the Summit County Council unanimously approved the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County’s new Arts & Culture Master Plan during a joint meeting this past week. This comprehensive 10-year roadmap is designed to guide the development of the local arts and culture sector, ensuring it thrives amid the evolving needs of the community. The planning process for the Arts & Culture Master Plan began in August 2024, driven by the goal of creating a long-range framework that not only strengthens the local creative ecosystem but also expands access to arts and cultural opportunities throughout Summit County. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of arts and culture in enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors to the area. According to the Arts Council, the development of the plan was informed by an extensive 18-month community engagement effort. This involved a series of surveys, public forums, and a benchmarking analysis, which collectively gathered valuable input from a diverse cross-section of the community, including residents, local artists, and representatives from cultural nonprofits. The thoroughness of this process highlights the commitment of the Arts Council to ensure that the plan genuinely reflects the aspirations and needs of the community it aims to serve. Jocelyn Scudder, the executive director of the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, expressed her enthusiasm for the plan, stating, “The Arts and Culture Master Plan will act as a guide to the future development and growth of our local creative sector, ensuring we develop a more connected, equitable, and resilient cultural ecosystem for all.” Her remarks underscore the strategic vision of the plan, which is centered on fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the arts. The master plan identifies several focus areas essential for its successful implementation. These include the establishment of financial tools and mechanisms to support the plan's recommendations, potential policy measures that could enhance the local arts landscape, and capital investment opportunities that can be pursued at both municipal and county levels. Furthermore, it proposes programming recommendations that align with the needs identified by community members and stakeholders during the engagement process. A key aspect of the plan is its analysis of gaps within Summit County’s creative economy, particularly in comparison to benchmark communities across the western United States. This analysis not only highlights existing deficiencies but also suggests operational needs and collaboration opportunities that could significantly strengthen the local arts and culture network. By identifying these gaps, the plan sets the stage for targeted initiatives aimed at addressing them. With both the Park City Council and the Summit County Council having passed resolutions of support, the Arts Council is poised to begin the implementation phase of the plan over the coming decade. Initial priorities outlined in the master plan include initiatives focused on “arts in the everyday,” which aims to integrate art into daily life and community activities; “spaces and places,” which emphasizes the importance of physical venues for artistic expression; and “funding and capacity,” which seeks to bolster the financial resources available for local arts organizations and initiatives. The implications of this master plan extend beyond mere policy; it represents a transformative vision for the future of arts and culture in Summit County. By establishing a clear roadmap, the plan not only seeks to enhance the vibrancy and accessibility of the arts but also strives to cultivate a deeper sense of community identity and pride among residents. As the Arts Council moves forward with the implementation of the plan, it will continue to engage with community members, artists, and stakeholders to ensure that the strategies outlined remain responsive to the evolving dynamics of the local arts scene. The Council plans to host follow-up discussions and forums to keep the community informed and involved in this exciting new chapter for Park City and Summit County. For those interested in learning more about the Arts & Culture Master Plan, detailed information can be accessed through the Arts Council’s website, which features insights into the plan's focus areas, community engagement findings, and upcoming events related to its implementation. In summary, the unanimous approval of the Arts & Culture Master Plan marks a pivotal moment for Park City and Summit County, positioning the area as a forward-thinking hub for creativity and cultural expression. As the region gears up for the next decade of artistic development, the commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community is clearer than ever.