Advisory board endorses new Fort Myers arts-and-culture alliance

The City of Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board voted to back a new alliance of local arts, culture and history organizations after a group of CEOs and board leaders outlined plans to coordinate marketing and shared services.

Matt Johnson, CEO and president of the IMAIC History and Science Center, Devin Parker, president and CEO of the Sydney and Bern Davis Arts Center, and Neil Volz, executive director/CEO of the Alliance for the Arts, told the advisory board the alliance will start with seven Fort Myers-based organizations and pursue joint marketing, pooled grant applications and shared administrative functions. "We wanna wanna help with that and, and make sure that arts, culture, and history, are a vibrant part of that because it is such an important part of economic development," Matt Johnson said.

Devin Parker described the alliance's use of data to justify investment, citing the Arts & Economic Prosperity (AEP6) study that the presenters said showed arts and culture support "over a $135,000,000 a year industry here in in, Fort Myers." The presenters said they would begin with practical steps such as a coordinated "city pass," joint sponsorships and shared services (for example, exploring shared medical benefits and coordinated camps and education programming) to reduce duplication and raise larger grants and sponsorships.

Board members offered support and ideas: one member urged the alliance to "think big," suggesting anchor projects and donor campaigns similar to other Florida arts investments; another suggested reinvigorating a local film office to leverage festivals and production activity. Chair Dennis Lamprey disclosed his involvement with one of the participating organizations and invited the group to present to City Council in October.

A board member moved that the advisory board support "the effort of the alliance of groups and arts culture groups"; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. After the vote the chair said, "You got our support." The alliance leaders said they will return with specific deliverables, including a pilot pass or off-season coupon program to encourage cross-visitation among member sites.

The board's endorsement is an advisory action; presenters said they will use the board's feedback in a formal October presentation to City Council and will continue to coordinate with county and tourism partners.