Erie County, in collaboration with the Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance (GBCA), has embarked on a journey to create a Cultural Plan that will elevate our region’s profile and integrate the arts into our daily lives.

In 2022, the arts and culture sector in Western New York was a powerhouse of economic activity, with not-for-profit arts and culture spending reaching $192 million. This investment generated a staggering $381.4 million in economic activity and supported 8,221 jobs, underscoring the vital role of the arts in our region (Western New York Region, Arts & Economic Prosperity 6, Americans for the Arts).

The Cultural Plan aims to foster this economic powerhouse by promoting, encouraging, and increasing support for the region’s artistic and cultural assets. This initiative is not just about growth; it’s about ensuring equity, inclusion, collaboration, and transparency in how we develop our cultural landscape.

Your voice is essential! Erie County residents and visitors are invited to contribute to the Cultural Plan’s development through community events, surveys, and public meetings. Your stories, culture, feedback, and insights will shape the plan and our collective future.

Here’s how you can participate:

1. Online Survey: Starting June 17th, take part in the Cultural Plan community survey at erie.gov/CulturalPlan. (If you prefer a physical copy, they are available at local libraries and county offices, or you can request one by calling (716) 858-1916.)

2. Public Meetings: Engage in person at one of our public meetings:

  • Southtowns: Monday, June 24th, 6pm – 8pm, Emery Park Ski Lodge (2084 Emery Road South Wales, NY 14139).
  • City of Buffalo: Tuesday, June 25th, 6pm – 8pm, Torn Space Theatre (612 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14212).
  • Northtowns: Wednesday, June 26th, 6pm – 8pm, Clarence High School Lecture Hall (9625 Main St, Clarence, NY 14031). *Virtual option available.

*Virtual Participation: Can’t make it in person? Register here for access to our webinar and join the conversation online.

The Cultural Plan is being shaped by a Steering Committee and an Advisory Committee, comprising local residents, artists, business owners, and cultural organization leaders. Expertise is provided by AEA Consulting and Jacques Planning & Consulting Services, who bring a wealth of experience in cultural planning, community engagement, and research.

The final document will outline actionable and creative strategies to harness resources and create a cooperative framework for assessing and generating impact. This process is made possible through the support of Erie County, Fund for the Arts, Cullen Foundation, Fierle Family Foundation, GBCA, and a NYS Empire State Development Strategic Planning and Feasibility Study grant.

Join us in this pivotal moment for the arts in Erie County. Together, we can craft a shared vision for a culturally vibrant future. Your participation is not just welcome—it’s vital.