Survey aims to study local impact of arts and culture

A survey now underway is aimed at gauging the economic and social impact of arts and culture in this region.

"It kicked off a couple months ago," said Howard Sandin, vice chair of the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance, which is based in Marquette.

On behalf of the alliance, Sandin said he already has been collecting surveys at several local events such as at last weekend's Main Stage event for the Emberlight Festival.

Surveys also will be collected on Saturday, from 6-7 p.m. at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, prior to the 7 p.m. Neil Diamond tribute show titled the "Sweet Caroline Tour" with Jay White. A representative for UPACA also will be available during the show's intermission.

Sandin reported that the anonymous surveys will continue at arts and cultural sites until next April, at which time Americans for the Arts will use its algorithm to compile results that then will be shared with the public.

According to Sandin, results will help members of the local arts community, as well as area municipalities, to assess their direction and then "amplify" or change course as needed to best serve the interests of residents and tourists.

Sandin, a retired physician originally from Ashland, is the president of the board of the Downtown Art Place in Ironwood, which was created about a decade ago.

"My wife is a watercolor artist, and that's how I got involved in this," said Sandin, adding that the arts are "a big part" of their lives. He and his wife, Peg, now live in Ironwood Township.

"The thing that has made me an advocate for this is I don't want the U.P. to be left out," said Sandin. "Ironwood has a lot going for it, artistically."

For instance, he said that Theatre North is the third oldest community theatre in the country, and the Historic Ironwood Theatre, which has "immaculate acoustics," goes back to vaudeville days.

Moreover, he noted that about 10 new businesses have moved to Ironwood in recent years.

Sandin said the survey - which is open to local residents as well as tourists - includes questions such as the cost spent on tickets, whether a hotel room was needed, etc.

Participants are asked not to repeat the survey at more than one location.

In fact, noted Sandin, "If a party of six comes in, only one person fills out the survey. They don't want people to load the ballot box."

Sandin said that Americans for the Arts chooses survey participants carefully and included UPACA because it covers significant territory. Another reason, he said, is because all UPACA members are strongly affiliated with the arts and have substantial connections to the widespread arts community.

"This is the sixth such study that they've done," said Sandin regarding Americans for the Arts. "They do them about every three to four years."

As for members of the national organization, Sandin said, "They're particularly interested in indigenous art and the welcoming of that in the community."

He explained that the current survey is not just underway in this region, but also all across the U.P.

UPACA took root as a nonprofit organization in 2016 when Sandin enacted plans in conjunction with Sue Roll, now the alliance president, and Tiina Morin, a board member.

Roll also is the business director of the Bonifas Arts Center in Delta County, and Morin is the manager of the city of Marquette's Arts & Culture Center.

Sandin said they spent 18 months in meetings and hired a consultant to help best direct their progress.

"The alliance fosters and promotes creativity by encouraging connections between individuals, organizations, artists, performers, and audiences throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan," states the UPACA website.

The site further explains that the 15-county group is made up of "artisans and art organizations, historians and culture bearers, as well as allies in related sectors such as tourism and recreation, local and regional government and economic development."

For more information see upacalliance.com. The website has profiles of U.P. artists and a list of galleries, museums and organizations relating to the arts.