Ulster County presents 'Imagine Ulster' arts-and-culture plan to Kingston Arts Commission

Sarah, the project manager for the Ulster County Arts and Culture Plan, presented the draft "Imagine Ulster" plan to the Kingston Arts Commission on March 13, outlining economic findings, draft priorities and next steps.

The plan estimates a $814,000,000 total annual economic impact for Ulster County's arts and culture sector and reports roughly $48,000,000 in wages tied to creative-economy employment. Sarah said the project has completed public engagement and is now at “the end of phase 3,” moving from vision and strategies toward implementation actions.

Why it matters: The draft plan proposes county-level coordination and new capacity to support arts organizations, creative businesses and cultural programming across Ulster County. Commissioners were asked to review the draft priorities and provide feedback ahead of two public presentations in April.

Key points from the presentation and discussion

- Background and process: Sarah described a three-phase planning process that included a needs assessment, public engagement (town halls, sector workshops, surveys) and strategy development. She credited Lord Cultural Resources and other consultants and named a project advisory committee and task forces that informed the plan.

- Economic findings: The draft plan's headline figures—$814 million in annual economic impact and $48 million in wages—are based on direct, indirect and induced impacts the consultants modeled for the county. Sarah said detailed breakout by municipality (for example, Kingston’s share) was not available in her briefing but is included in the full "state of culture" report on the project website.

- Draft priorities and strategies: The plan groups recommendations under four priorities: investment and advocacy; mobilization and networks; infrastructure and growth; and education and workforce development. Proposed strategies include developing a comprehensive financial-resource strategy, launching targeted advocacy and education campaigns, establishing an equity framework for arts funding, and exploring cultural districts and business zones.

- County staff role and hub: The plan recommends an Ulster County arts-and-culture advisory commission and the creation of a multi‑functional central platform (a county “hub”) for resources, communications and a one-stop listing of grants, affordable spaces and other services. Sarah said the county executive has announced plans to hire a director for arts, culture and open spaces, likely to be placed within the tourism division, and that the position should function as a facilitator rather than duplicate existing local efforts.

- Outreach and next steps: Sarah gave two dates for public presentation: a session before the Ulster County Legislature on April 15 at 7:00 p.m. and a countywide public presentation on April 24 at 6:00 p.m. She asked commissioners for written comments; the project website (Participate Ulster) hosts the draft and supporting materials.

Commissioner questions and themes

Commissioners asked about: whether Kingston’s share of the economic impact was available (Sarah said that detail is in the full report), how proximity to New York City affects the county’s competitive position, and how a county-level director should relate to municipal arts offices and economic development staff. Several speakers noted the need to avoid duplicating municipal programs and to coordinate across county departments that currently fund arts activities (youth bureau, economic development, social services).

What’s next

Sarah asked for final comments to be submitted; the project will move toward a final plan and action items after the April presentations. The county’s proposed director position and the concept of a centralized hub were described as near-term items the county intends to staff and fund.

Ending

The Kingston Arts Commission received the presentation and will forward local input. The full draft and the state-of-culture technical appendices are available on the Participate Ulster project site; public presentations are scheduled for April 15 and April 24.