The City of Clearwater's Public Art & Design Board meeting on April 13, 2023, highlighted significant efforts to engage the community in arts and culture through a survey initiative aimed at understanding the economic impact of local events. Board member Susan Gorr Schlage announced her collaboration with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society to collect surveys during the upcoming Downtown Ukulele Fest, with a goal of gathering 50 responses. The surveys are designed to capture spending habits related to arts and cultural events, providing valuable data for future planning.

The board emphasized the importance of collecting surveys at various events, particularly those that attract diverse demographics, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Events like Salsa de Mayo and Taste of Ethnicity were identified as ideal opportunities to meet the survey requirements. The board noted that a minimum of seven events is necessary to achieve a comprehensive understanding of community engagement, with a target of 10 to 12 events for more robust data collection.

In addition to the survey initiative, the board reviewed the current public art fund, which has a balance of $102,245.53, alongside a separate cultural services budget of $69,914.60. These funds are earmarked for public art projects and are maintained separately as mandated by city ordinance.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to fostering a vibrant arts scene in Clearwater, with plans to use the survey data to establish a baseline for economic impact before the opening of a new amphitheater. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding of how arts and culture contribute to the local economy and community well-being.

As the board continues to seek volunteers for survey collection and explore additional events, the outcomes of these efforts are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Clearwater's cultural landscape in the years to come.