We have new tools to organize and project our voices loud enough for like minds to hear. We are in the organization stage, next is planning, then action.

All this can be changed, but there are plenty impediments between change and the current state of things. Sometimes people in the local arts community can be their own worst enemies and only further this endemic way of thinking. I've lived here almost 20 years, most of my life, and Jacksonville is heavily segregated when it comes to the cultures that live within this city. This can probably be said of most cities, people of like minds tend to flock together, but the problem in Jax is that the power brokers are generally not of this culture forward mindset. Our voice is limited in scope and power. People like Tony Allegretti, Joey Marchy and others are the only voices we have that can propel change. Without having more voices and, essentially, more representation, change is a long, hard-fought battle which causes us to lose the aforementioned talent by attrition. And without opening up our culture to be understood and appreciated the general populous we lessen our chances for receptiveness and increase our chances for the long standing monikers like “artsy”, etc.

I'm not trying to make generalizations about everyone in Jacksonville, merely observations of my many years living here. The people that are doing something about this by reaching out to local government is very encouraging. Makes me feel proud. Anyone that works in the local arts (commercial and otherwise) understands how hard it can be to make a living in Jax, and is well aware of the gulf between our average income and those of other cities. Having a city that really opens up to being culturally mindful will in turn have a trickle down effect in many areas. From bringing in more talent, retaining it's current talent and improving the quality of live within the city are all great tangible benefits. These are benefits that will befit the city and translate to a stronger economy and a better city. Plain and simple.

So, here's to doing our part and kudos to Joey, Tony and everyone else that is doing something about it. We all need to be doers and not talkers, something we all struggle with. Unity, commitment and openness will force the tide to change, hopefully sooner than later.

…my two cents, for what it's worth

To be honest Atlanta, and lesser so Seattle, has been a real draw for me professionally. Architecture and design in those cities is much more progressive than what we have here in Jacksonville. (All one needs to do is compare the Public Libraries of Seattle and Jacksonville.)

But, one of the things keeping me here is the potential that we have in Jacksonville and really being able to help get the movement for better design/culture/arts off of the ground. This is obviously one of the reasons we started The Urban Facelift Project.

However, for me It will be more gratifying and exciting to be part of the pioneering group in a city that is ready and has potential, than to go off to a city where you become a follower behind a line of people that previously laid down the gauntlet.