By NATALI GONZALEZ
The city of La Mesa is taking its first step toward the development of a Public Arts Plan by conducting an arts survey.
“Promoting the Arts in La Mesa is a long-time passion of mine,” said Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “Art experiences and cultural opportunities inspire creativity, provide educational benefits, encourage economic development, build community and so much more. The Arts and Culture Survey is important to gain valuable input from our community to understand what is important to our residents as we work toward creating a Public Arts plan.”
Survey questions include what types of art residents have experienced, what types they would like to have more of, how cultural diversity can be incorporated, and how often they attend arts experiences. It is the first time the city has surveyed residents on arts and culture specifically.
“This survey is the first step in determining what already exists here in La Mesa and what more we can do as a community to advance the expansion of quality arts offerings in East County,” stated Karen Childress-Evans, the Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission.
The survey’s creation was prompted by the La Mesa Arts & Culture Commission, which was developed at the end of 2021 and into the beginning of 2022.
“The mission of the Arts & Culture commission is to promote the arts, along with the historical, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of the community by using the arts as a mechanism to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” added Sue Richardson, the liaison to the commission.
The commission also aims to develop a comprehensive City of La Mesa Pubic Arts Plan, which would establish policy criteria for art installation and maintenance. The policy would allow for visual and performing arts to be available on public property.
“Public visual and performing arts are vital to every community,” said Childress-Evans. “They reflect the spirit of the people who live here in La Mesa by bringing attention to our surroundings and vibrant cultures. The visual and performing arts also attract others who can share in the diversity and uniqueness of our community values and traditions.”
Other cities in San Diego County, such as Encinitas and Coronado, currently have Public Arts Plans in place, which will serve as an example for La Mesa. Their plans include goals and action items that will install art in public places, support local artists, and build community through the arts.
Richardson said La Mesa’s plan will aim to accomplish similar goals as well as “reflect on the history and culture of La Mesa, to define its past and imagine its future.”
Residents can participate in the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/LaMesaArts through Jan. 3, 2023.
—Natali Gonzalez is an MA student in rhetoric and writing studies at San Diego State University. See more of her work at: thedailyaztec.com/staff_name/natali-gonzalez/.
