Arts and Culture Caucus | The CREATE Plan Overview Unveiled
At the second and culminating assembly of the Arts and Culture Caucus in 2024, held on Tuesday, April 23rd, the Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) convened with research partner, Sound Diplomacy, to delineate key recommendations aimed at fortifying the cultural landscape of Delaware. Convened by co-chairs Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, Representative Bryan Shupe, and DAA Executive Director Neil Kirschling, this pivotal gathering not only underscored the significance of the arts but also featured a performance by Maiss Hussein, Delaware’s representative for the National Poetry Out Loud competition of 2024. Hussein recited the poem “Songs for the People” by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, which entails the story of war and creating peace.
During the meeting, we also heard from Senator Russell Huxtable, Eric Buckson, and Representative Jeffrey N. Spiegelman. The presentation “Creative Economy Advancement & Tourism Expansion (CREATE),” was presented by Justin Morris of Sound Diplomacy via Zoom. Morris articulated a comprehensive framework packed with actionable insights designed to help lawmakers in their advocacy efforts and strategic
discourse about the arts. Noteworthy topics encompassed within the presentation included the crucial role of arts in tourism, strategies for bolstering funding and leveraging the arts catalyst for economic development. Deliberations shed light on the regrettable absence of the Firefly Music Festival this year, underscoring its consequential impact on local businesses in Dover. Recognizing the imperative of broader stakeholder engagement, participants advocated for the inclusion of Chambers of Commerce in future discussions, while emphasizing the need to shine spotlights on smaller businesses, and events, and to support local talent in Delaware.
Addressing challenges encountered by artists in obtaining resources, attention was drawn to the taxing nature of permit procurement processes, 
exemplified by the tedious 12-page application required in Milford. In response, there arose a collective resolve to explore avenues for streamlining permit procedures, thereby rendering them more accessible to the creative community. Supporting thriving artists is essential.
There are resources available to arts-related businesses, but not enough of them are being used, so providing a one-stop shop to help and encourage businesses to apply for grants like EDGE could assist the community.
Dear Colleagues, send a letter to your legislator supporting the ask for an additional $1M increase in the arts budget.
Find your legislator’s contact information here.
Presentation Slides for those who missed the session.
“Creative Economy Advancement & Tourism Expansion (CREATE)”
So what’s next? Here’s how you can support the work of the Arts & Culture Caucus:
Promote DelawareScene.com — which features a calendar of events, an artist roster, and the ability to post jobs and other artist opportunities — to your constituents as a resource for the arts
Share about the caucus on social media! Feel free to use pictures taken during the meeting, as well as the article published on Delaware Public Media.
About the Arts and Culture Caucus:
The bipartisan, bicameral Delaware Arts and Culture Caucus meets at least twice per session, providing a platform for experts, nonprofits, educators, artists, and stakeholders to discuss relevant policy initiatives supporting the arts and cultural sector. The caucus aims to cultivate legislative dedication to understanding the importance of arts and cultural offerings in Delaware, supporting diverse art disciplines and cultural programs for their intrinsic value in building resilient communities and fostering economic development. The caucus operates in collaboration with the Delaware General Assembly and Delaware Arts Alliance.