Workshop: Unlock the power of arts and culture

BUSHKILL — Rural communities face many challenges: How to add jobs, create a future for their children, protect their character and history, and best use their limited resources.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will address these questions at a Creative Placemaking Boot Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18 at the park’s Bushkill Meeting Center. The workshop is aimed at local leaders and others dedicated to rejuvenated and creative communities.
“Developing locally driven solutions to our unique challenges is critical to the long-term vitality of our communities," said Suzanne Ishee of the Center for Creative Placemaking. "Design-thinking, arts, and creativity play a powerful role in this process."
Across the country, community leaders and residents are using Creative Placemaking strategies to unlock the power of the arts, culture, and creativity in their communities. The workshop is aimed at elected officials, local planners and engineers, economic development organizations, local environmental officials, chambers of commerce, business owners, community organizations, artists, cultural leaders, land stewards, and other interested citizens.
“The National Park service plays a key role in our local economy with park visitors spending over $1.25 million and supporting 1,800 jobs in gateway communities surrounding the park," said parks Superintendent John Donahue. "We are always looking for creative solutions to increase the economic impact of our nearly four million annual visitors in those communities while working to preserve the natural and cultural resources that make each of them so special."
The training session is sponsored by the Scenic, Wild Delaware River Geotourism Initiative and underwritten by the Environmental Protection Agency. It will be presented by the Center for Creative Placemaking and New Jersey Institute of Technology.
There is a $30 registration fee.
To sign up visit http://bit.ly/2q4r6J7.