Season 2, Episode 45 - Building Bridges through the Arts

Building Bridges through the Arts

 

In the latest episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson sits down with Angela Seals, the Executive Director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak region (COPPR). Through this engaging dialogue, Seals offers insights into her role, the importance of the arts in community development, and the intentional strides taken by COPPR to foster a vibrant cultural ecosystem in El Paso County, Colorado.

A Journey Rooted in Arts Advocacy:  Angela Seals' roots in arts management trace back to dynamic cultural hubs like Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her foray into the arts was fueled by a passion to harness the transformative power of creativity in communities. As the Executive Director of COPPR, Seals brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision aimed at advancing the Pikes Peak region's cultural landscape.

"My journey has always been about leveraging the arts to build stronger communities," says Seals. "Here at COPPR, we focus on promoting cultural vitality and economic development, making the arts indispensable to regional growth."

The Role of COPPR in the Community:  COPPR operates as a local arts agency dedicated to serving the arts and creative sector. The organization's mission is to advocate for the arts and bolster cultural development within the region. Seals underscores the collaborative nature of their work, engaging with diverse partners—from regional chambers and workforce development centers to local philanthropists and elected officials.

One of the organization's standout successes includes 298,700 program engagements in 2023 and nearly $100,000 reinvested into the arts community. These figures highlight COPPR's pivotal role in nourishing the region's cultural fabric.

Navigating Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector:  Running a nonprofit organization comes with its own set of challenges. Seals highlights strategic decision-making as paramount. "Our decisions are guided by the community's needs," she emphasizes, referencing the "Arts Vision 2030" plan as a strategic framework. This document aligns community priorities with actionable goals to fortify cultural vitality over the next decade.

Inclusive Language and Expanding the Creative Sector:  A significant trend within arts agencies is the adoption of inclusive language to encompass a broader array of creative industries. Terms like "creative" instead of "arts" aim to be more inclusive, capturing the full spectrum of creative pursuits—hip hop dancing, architecture, graphic design, photography, fashion, culinary arts, and more.

Such inclusivity not only underscores the diverse potential within the creative sector but also aids in economic development, market growth, and job creation, providing a robust support system for local artists and creative professionals.

Projects and Collaborations Driving Economic Growth:  Seals elaborates on various collaborative projects initiated by COPPR to drive economic growth through the arts. Notable examples include the support of the Air Force Academy opera production and CS Art All Around. These projects not only contribute to cultural enrichment but also stimulate local economies by attracting visitors and creating job opportunities.

Moreover, COPPR’s active role as a bridge builder connects filmmakers, artists, and regional agencies. This network helps facilitate access to resources and information on cultural promotion, tourism, and arts education.

Engaging the Community:  One of the focal points of COPPR’s mission is arts education. The organization works diligently to incorporate creative disciplines into educational frameworks, fostering the next generation of artists. Additionally, enhancing involvement in tourism is another avenue through which COPPR aims to amplify the region's cultural offerings.

Seals encourages communities to engage actively, especially during campaigns like Arts Month, where advocacy for the arts gains momentum. In light of the upcoming presidential election, public engagement in arts advocacy is more critical than ever.

A Cultural Manifesto for Pikes Peak:  As encapsulated in the "Arts Vision 2030" plan, COPPR’s vision for the Pikes Peak region is expansive yet rooted in authenticity. The plan serves as a call, inviting the community to reimagine their identity through the lens of storytelling and creativity.

The arts community strives to build a soulful, authentic, and human-centered environment—an identity that resonates deeply with both residents and visitors. COPPR continues to demonstrate its value as more than just an entity; it is a vital asset, shaping the soul and identity of the Pikes Peak region.

For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit culturaloffice.org or peakradar.com, and to reach out via email at info@culturaloffice.org.