Council passes resolution unanimously
Some 15 years ago, the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History created a program through which towns, cities and counties could designate themselves as certified arts communities.
The city of Morgantown is looking to join the handful of communities to have taken the state up on that offer.
During the most recent session of Morgantown City Council, a resolution was unanimously passed in support of those efforts.
Vincent Kitch, Morgantown’s director of arts and cultural development, said the support of arts and historic preservation are closely tied to the tourism industry. He said the designation would also be useful when applying for various state and federal grants.
“It’s a designation that is largely ceremonial, but I think it says that as a city we’re going in this direction. We want those banners that say we’re a certified arts community,” Kitch said. “It means something to me, and it means something to the city, I think.”
It also means something to city council.
The designation is among the four arts-and-culture-related goals highlighted by council during its recent strategic planning session. Others include the creation of spaces and opportunities for displaying and rotating art exhibits, and the development of a citywide mural program.
Kitch explained that along with council’s resolution and a letter from Mayor Ron Dulaney, letters of support are also being collected from various entities and individuals. The Monongalia County Commission approved such a letter during its most recent session.
According to Kitch, Huntington was the last community to receive the designation. Based on media reports, the city was certified in 2015 after a nearly four-year process.
“I think it really is important to recognize that this is a concrete step forward, expression if you will, of an important part of our strategic plan,” Dulaney said.
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