“Civic dinners are a way to get input from people in a really natural setting. You’re not sitting in the sterile focus group; you’re not responding to a survey. You’re just having a conversation over food.” -a recent ARC Civic Dinner host A Resolution to Eat…More In the new year, many of us resolve to get to the gym more, increase our kale consumption, or maybe to spend more time on the things that bring us joy…. We’ve got you covered with #3. Take the civic dinner pledge. Make a pledge to host or attend a civic dinner this year. Taking part in a meal that will enlighten and inspire you…it may be the most satisfying resolution you keep. And you can even cook up some kale. Once you’ve made the pledge, find or create your dinner! Where Your Comments Went…Arts & Culture Edition Our Arts & Culture conversation, kicked off this fall, was aimed at getting your feedback on the arts in metro Atlanta: what you love, concerns you have, and your hopes for our cultural future. Many of you reported making great connections and even building professional bridges at your dinners. And your comments fed into ARC’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Placemaking plan—which will guide the work of ARC programs that support the region’s arts, cultural, and creative industries. The topline feedback? Because of its humanitarian and economic impact, we need to support our artists and arts organizations, as well as arts education in public schools. Other comments had to do with integrating the arts into everyday life. “Artists and arts leaders are not apart from the world,” noted Josh Philipson, manager of Arts, Culture, and Creative Placemaking at ARC. “They’re really thoughtful and creative problem-solvers." Phillipson said that civic dinners were a perfect vehicle to collect public input: Get in on the Arts & Culture conversation! Even though ARC is no longer taking public input for the re-vamp of this particular plan, we still want your stories, experiences, and thoughts. Host or join a dinner today! There's space at the table at these upcoming ARC Civic Dinners... Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies No stove required! Want more recipes? Check out the Civic Dinners Pinterest page! Till next time — ARC Civic Dinners is a project of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Civic Dinners, LLC. For more information, contact us at civicdinners@atlantaregional.org. |