Online survey launched to examine the inventory of performing arts venues in Boston

 Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston has launched an online survey as part of Boston Creates to examine the city's inventory of performing arts venues, measure the rehearsal and performance space needs of arts organizations and gauge the alignment of venues and organizations' needs. The survey will remain open until the evening of Monday, March 28, 2016, immediately following the Boston Creates Town Hall at Bunker Hill Community College at 6:00 p.m.

"As the performing arts landscape in Boston continues to evolve, it is important to have a clear understanding of the assets that exist within the city so we can quantify the needs that exist within the performing arts ecosystem," said Mayor Walsh. "We encourage members of the community to share their input regarding the performance and rehearsal space in Boston so together we can start working toward solutions surrounding the complexities of space for Boston's performing artists."

The survey, formally called the Performing Arts Facilities Assessment, will garner feedback from the community that will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive report on the challenges and opportunities facing the Boston performing arts ecosystem. 

This survey is an essential component of the Cultural Facilities Study, allowing the City to hear directly from members of the performing arts community. It is designed for the members of the performing arts community, both those who provide rehearsal and performance space and those who use rehearsal and performance space.

In April 2015, Mayor Walsh launched Boston's cultural planning process to create a blueprint for arts and culture in the City of Boston. These efforts focus on engaging residents, visitors, and stakeholders to help local government identify cultural needs, opportunities, and resources and to think strategically about how these resources can help the community to achieve its civic goals.  

As a part of this effort, the Performing Arts Facilities Assessment will aim to learn what is most important to the residents of Boston and arts organizations; therefore, the survey is detailed and many of the questions are open-ended. The estimated time to complete the survey is from 10 to 40 minutes, depending on how many venues are referenced.

Mayor Walsh announced last November the City would pursue a cultural facilities study. TDC, a Boston-based nonprofit consulting and research firm, is executing the study.

About Boston Creates
Boston Creates is the City's cultural planning process. When completed, the plan will identify priorities and strategies for how to strengthen the city by leveraging and growing the creative capital of its residents, communities and organizations.