Summary - Culture, Tourism & Film
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Culture, Tourism & Film (Draft - August 18, 2008)
NW CT EDC Goal:
- Develop long range strategic plans for a healthy, sustainable economic environment for NW CT.
Task Team Goals:
- Develop a long term (10-20 years) comprehensive plan which benefits the entire region.
- Develop long range strategic plans for a healthy, sustainable economic environment for NW CT.
Guiding Questions:
- How does culture, tourism and the film industry impact the regional economy?
- How can the region work together to promote culture, tourism and film?
- What issues need to be addressed as a region?
Guiding Principles:
Tourism creates numerous job opportunities and brings substantial revenue to the NW CT region.
Visual and performing arts events and venues also draw tourists and visitors to the region.
Historical societies and museums are located throughout the region and attract tourists and visitors to museum exhibits and events.
Recreational tourism including eco-tourism and agri-tourism also attracts numerous visitors to the region for outdoor activities.
Regional networking and communication can help to create positive experiences for both tourists and service providers.
Quality of life is a high priority throughout the region, while tourism is encouraged - over-development is discouraged.
Preservation of water resources, farmland and forested areas is a high priority throughout the region.
Suggested Overall Strategies
Increase awareness and utilization of existing resources. The Northwest CT Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.LitchfieldHills.com) is a state supported regional organization to promote culture and tourism. It is also the first point of contact for film producers. Publications and the web site provide information about the entire region. Local events and activities should be forwarded for inclusion in publications and the web site.
The Northwest CT Arts Council (www.artsnwct.org) maintains an updated calendar of cultural events and activities through a web site and electronic newsletter. Local events and activities should be forwarded for inclusion in publications and the web site.
Continuous networking is recommended among restaurants and inns to increase awareness of recreational and tourist activities within the region.
Networking among visual and performing arts organizations is recommended to coordinate event and activity calendars.
Increasing awareness among all residents of the existing recreational and cultural activities would encourage local participation and help them direct visitors to regional venues.
Create a location catalog for film makers. Local property owners would need to grant permission for the location mapping. Centralized access could be provided via a web site.
Explore the possibility of utilizing vacant industrial sites as production and post-production facilities.
Identify large parking areas within the region for the large trucks required for film production.
Create GPS "Places of Interest" and cell phone links for NW CT.
Create a weekly "Things to Do in NW CT (or 'The Litchfield Hills') This Week" brochure for each week throughout the summer season. Keep it simple and have it available at multiple locations throughout the region.
Components
Film
The Kent Film Festival provides a regional venue for independent filmmakers and includes workshop sessions with professional film makers.
Film companies film during the week and at times on weekends. This would complement and support restaurants and inns which tend to get heavier tourist traffic on weekends.
Identify parking areas for large production trucks.
Create guidelines for towns to work with film production companies - including a standard permit process, parking, land use issues, police and fire department requirements.
Film companies need food, places to stay, and frequently set materials. Local theatre groups may be able to help provide costumes and props.
Advertise the advantages of the area for film makers in trade magazines and catalogs.
The CT Commission on Culture and Tourism includes the Film Division.
The film industry is highly unpredictable. Large capital investments in infrastructure may be very risky. There is no guarantee the state will continue its film credit program.
Janet Serra (NW CT Convention & Visitors Bureau) is the film contact person for this region.
Agri-Tourism
Providing hands-on experiences for visitors interested in learning more about agriculture and forestry would combine tourism with the region's agricultural and rural heritage.
Encourage and expand barn and farm tours of the region. Provide weekend getaways with "hands-on" experiences in agriculture and forestry.
Continue "Wine Trails" - encourage vineyards to work with local artists and sculptors - possibly providing sculpture gardens.
There are numerous farm markets and farm stands throughout the region. Guides and maps could help direct tourists and local residents to those destinations.
Eco-Tourism
Combine recreational activities with education about the ecological balance needed to maintain the environment. Train tourists to become observers of nature patterns (i.e. look for invasive species, plot your location on a map).
Recreation
There are numerous state parks, camps, clubs, businesses and organizations dedicated to outdoor recreational activities. Hiking, biking, and boating are common throughout the region.
Greenways, river and bike trails can provide recreational tourist destinations while also linking local communities together.
Outfitters, canoe and boat rentals are needed to expand tourism opportunities.
Maps and clearly marked trails and waterways would enhance the experience for visitors.
The region also has several winter recreational areas for skiers and snowboarders.
There are also numerous equestrian centers throughout the region offering horseback riding.
Performing Arts
The Litchfield Performing Arts sponsors the annual Litchfield Jazz Fest attracting national musicians. LPA also conducts a Jazz Camp for students during the summer.
The Ten String Guitar International Festival is held annually at the Warner Theatre in Torrington.
The Warner Theatre in Torrington, The TriArts Sharon Playhouse, Goshen Players and the Thomaston Opera House provide live theatre experiences in the region.
Networking is suggested to coordinate calendars and possibly share set pieces and costumes.
Joint promotions and advertising is also recommended. Weekend visitors could attend several performances throughout the region.
Performing artists often need venues for performances. Networking with existing theatres and community centers is encouraged.
Visual Arts
The Litchfield Visual Arts is a new organization for artists and galleries in the town of Litchfield. A Litchfield Art Guide will debut in the fall.
The Kent Art Association, Washington Art Association and Artwell Gallery are existing art organizations within the region.
Bantam Cinema, The Gilson and the Canaan movie theatre provide venues for film.
There are numerous art galleries throughout the region. A map and guide to those destinations would be beneficial for visitors and the galleries.
While professional artists often display their work in galleries, aspiring artists could display their work in business locations on a rotating basis.
Sculpture gardens should be encouraged and advertised.
There are few large scale installations in the region, encouraging creative installations would attract visitors.
The "Wall of America" in Winchester will attract tourists to the region. It is still in the construction stages with plans to add significant educational components to the project.
Museums
There are several museums in the region highlighting local history. Networking and joint marketing ventures would help to enhance the experience for tourists and visitors.
Historical art collections and displays are closely linked with the visual arts. Networking with local galleries and artists is encouraged.
Many of the local museums provide experiences for children. Expanding these activities for all age groups is encouraged.
Railroads
There are two main railroads operating in the region - the Housatonic Railroad and the Railroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad).
The Railroad Museum of New England conducts several events including wine tours, holiday shopping tours and visits by "Thomas the Tank Engine." These events draw thousands of tourists to the region.
Both railroad systems are in need of upgrading. The tracks, ties and beds need improvements. This should be a high regional priority.
Both railroads are capable of both freight and passenger traffic. Increased passenger/tourist use is strongly encouraged on weekends during the summer season.
There is a lot of potential for connecting the railroads with tourism.
Several abandoned railroad paths are being converted into recreational trails for pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Related Articles/Links:
Issues identified during Scenario Planning (March 28 & April 28, 2009):
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