March 7 forum will focus on arts, economy, revitalization in west Louisville

A March 7 economic development forum focused on west Louisville will examine the role of the arts and revitalization efforts to boost economic development.
March 7 forum will focus on arts, economy, revitalization in west Louisville

Photo from last year's economic forum

A March 7 economic development forum focused on west Louisville will examine the role of the arts and revitalization efforts to boost economic development.

The University of Louisville’s College of Arts and Sciences is offering the public economic development forum, “Strategies for Revitalizing West Louisville: Arts, Culture and Tourism, Past, Present and Future,” at 1606 Rowan St. in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood. UofL operates its master of fine arts and other programs at that location.

The program opens with an 8:30 a.m. talk by Fund for the Arts President and CEO Christen Boone and runs until 5:15 p.m.

Advance registration is required by March 2 for the forum, which includes lunch and a noon talk by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. Participants should visit http://uofl.me/wledf-2019 and pay by check; fees are $50 for individuals or $500 for a 10-person table.

Forum sessions will focus on the area’s artistic history; urban revitalization through arts, culture and tourism; investment without displacement; stimulating the economy through the arts; and an “artistry in action” meet-and-greet session with arts organizations offering west Louisville programs. Session panelists include community leaders, organization representatives, artists and UofL professors.

Using historic Portland as a case study, the forum will examine the potential impact of incorporating arts and culture in west Louisville redevelopment. Panelists will address how arts and culture policies and programs increase economic development in states and communities by attracting businesses, creating new jobs, increasing tax revenues and promoting tourism.

For sessions and speakers, check the forum’s website http://uofl.me/wledf-2019. For more information or to register, contact Clest Lanier at 502-852-3042 or cvlani01@louisville.edu.