Laurenn Barker
Chair
Carlsbad Arts Commission
“The arts are fundamental to our humanity,” proclaims Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research for the Americans for the Arts. Cohen adds, “The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even during a pandemic that has been devastating to the arts…an investment in artists and arts organizations is vital to the nation’s post-pandemic healing and recovery.”
Many of our local arts venues have been dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. It has been sad and I’m certainly missing the lively in-person performances. Yet, despite the challenges, I’ve been impressed to see how the arts have persevered, adjusted and survived. They are coming out now more resilient and vibrant than ever. During the days of lockdown, many performances, were adapted to Zoom and arts programs, particularly for children and families quarantined by the virus, were online. Created by the city’s Cultural Arts Office, these offerings have included the popular Family Open Studio program, the performance series Virtually Artful and at-home projects such as the Public Art Coloring Pages featuring many of Carlsbad’s public art pieces.
It’s not surprising to learn that Carlsbad had been voted one of the 25 happiest places in the U.S. due to its natural beauty and high quality of lifestyle. As we look forward to a rebirth of live cultural events and more interaction with the business community; we are so appreciative of Carlsbad’s constant support and devotion to the arts. Industries that are planning relocation or expansion place great emphasis on a healthy cultural climate in their selection criteria. Excellent schools and an atmosphere of artistic opportunities for prospective employees and their families provide an environment of creativity; an element needed to develop a workforce that is inventive and cutting edge in all areas of production and growth. In a national survey, 99% of the CEOs stated that the availability of cultural activities in an area is an important consideration in choosing a new location.
As the chair of the Carlsbad Arts Commission for the last three years, it’s been my mission to unite the arts and business sectors. The potential is great because the arts can strengthen the local economy in numerous ways. The Arts Commission played an integral role in providing input for Carlsbad’s Arts & Culture Master Plan (2018) which cites the city’s Cultural Arts Office as a connector, bringing together schools, arts organizations and businesses to provide arts experiences for all ages.
Can you imagine an arts workshop for your employees? The integration of arts and business presents opportunities for artists to enliven offices, foster employee development and improve teamwork. Just imagine a local young chorus providing a musical break for your employees. How about utilizing acting techniques to invigorate corporate presentations? Did you know that visual arts activities can expand a team’s creativity? It can happen here in Carlsbad! If you are curious about bringing the arts onsite, reach out to Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz and find out how a talented local artist can make a guest appearance at your office.
Editor’s note: Outgoing Arts Commission Chair Laurenn Barker, an accomplished artist and author, will continue to serve on the Carlsbad Arts Commission until 2024.