Survey results show interest in Williamsburg Arts District

The recently released Artist Demand Survey, conducted to examine growth opportunities for Williamsburg's Arts District, shows an interest by the community in expanding living and working opportunities in the area.

Williamsburg economic development director Michele Mixner DeWitt released the results of the city’s Artist Demand survey during a July 9 city council meeting. Out of the 260 creative professionals surveyed, 67 expressed interest in relocating to the area for living or working, according to a press release from the city.

Seventy-three additional respondents expressed interest in renting workspace, according to the release. Thirty-three arts organizations are also interested in renting space in the district.

Artspace USA, a nonprofit arts advocate and consulting firm, conducted the survey for the city. The company recommended the creation of 22 live-in or work-in spaces, and 24 stand-alone art studios for the area.

The city’s Arts District Task Force had hoped the survey would lead to Artspace investing in the district, but the demand is not high enough, according to the release. Artspace requires demand for at least 35 live-in and work-in studios, according to the release.

The city council will consider the results of the survey in determining its goals, initiatives and objectives for the next two years, according to the release.

For more information, visit williamsburgva.gov/artsdistrict.

Filed under: COMMUNITY