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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20070426FineArtsCommYearlyReport.pdfTo: Mayor Jason Buelterman Shirley Sessions Eddie Crone Wanda Doyle Kathryn Williams Mallory Pearce Paul of Diane Schleicher The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission received a second grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts for Fiscal Year 2007. This grant awarded $5,000 which was matched by the City of Tybeo hire consultants to create a plan with the Tybee Tourism Council for developing Cultural Heritage Tourism on Tybee Island. The purpose of this grant is to take the growing interest in Cultural Tourism and create a plan designed to Tybee's, best advantage. This plan will take what is currently happening in a haphazard fashion and shape it so that we maximize the impact of Cultural Tourism while preserving the unique and quirky, bohemian culture that is Tybee. Goals include: • Assess the current status of tourism on -rybee Island • Assess the current Cultural and Heritage offerings on Tybee • Develop short-term and long-term plans for the growth of Cultural Heritage tourism • Work with the City in addressing the challenges inherent in developing Cultural :: ourism, such as infrastructure, parking, transporSte. '' ablalliances within the arts/culture and tourism communities, eliminating duplication of efforts, increase sharing of ideas and resources • Generate increased income to the community through Cultural Tourism The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission ('71FAC") voted unanimously to continue working with Blackmarr, Tibbetts & Associates, and the consulting firm that worked with the Commission to create Tybee's Strategic Cultural Plan. The consultants have completed the first part of the project and are working to formalize the Plan. The project will be completed by June 30, 2007. Using recommendations from the Strategic Cultural Plan, the Commission initiated a proposal to the City of Tybee Island for a weekend festival to celebrate Tybee's culture and heritage on the occasion of Tybee's 120th birthday in October 2007, Council approved that proposal and planning for Celebrate Tybe... is underway, A description of the festival is attached. The Commission believes that the time has corne for the creation of a Cultural Liaison position within the City government. Research and analysis showed the potential value such a position would have, A proposal and strong recommendation is being made to the Mayor and Council for the creation of such a position, 1 10 se Yne coming year as a year of evaluation and assessment. We have not applied for any grant monies for 2008. The Commission believes that the two Plans developed with the two GCA grants need to be implemented; otherwise they are nothing but words on paper. The Plans are a roadmap for Tybee's Cultural future. i K Location: Centered in Memorial Park with other activities taking place on the Pier, Beach & Lazaretto Creek with trolley transportation (to be arranged) to move people back and forth Mission: Celebrate Tybee is a special event celebrating Tybee's culture and heritage on the occasion of the City of Tybee's 1201h birthday. All of Tybee's Not for Profit cultural and arts groups are invited to participate in the creation of this celebration. We want all of the groups to show off what they do best. The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service has a community outreach program. We have confirmed that they will bring at no cost to us, the Georgia Bulldog (a UGA research converted shrimp/lobster boat) which will be docked at Lazaretto (we will need shuttle service from Memorial Park) so that people will be able to tour the boat (for free) and they are also bringing a traveling "petting aquarium," called the Sea Circus that will be in Memorial Park. We are working out the logistics. The DNR has confirmed that they will bring the "Ark,' a t:,aveling education exhibit on the coast for both Saturday and Sunday. We have met with John Wallace, President of the Georgia Shrimp Association, and they have agreed to cc -sponsor Celebrate Tybee. We are waiting to hear how much money they will put up as a co-sponsor. They have also agreed to sell shrimp at a discount to the Marine Rescue Squad for their "low country boil" lunch fund-raiser for MRS., and the GA Shrimp Association will do a fried shrimp lunch to sell. The City of Tybee is providing services, such as security and set up and break down, along with Port -to -lets. Letters have been sent to all restaurants on Tybee asking them to participate by offering an appetizer or entr6e featuring Wild Georgia Shrimp that weekend. All participating restaurants will be featured in our marketing. While we are still in the planning stages, a list of confirmed and potential participating organizations and activities is listed below: Tybee Arts Association — Juried Art Show on the Pier on Saturday and Sunday Tybee YMCA — Half Rubber and Bocce Tournaments on the Beach on Sunday Tybee Island Historical Society — Historical Re -Enactments Marine Science Center — Educational Activity on the Beech for Kids Sand Castle Building Kite Surfing Demonstration Native Bird Exhibit Music by local Artists Spoken Word — Tybee's History Native Plant Exhibition & Sale .dor Tree Sale for Plantings on Tybee — Beautification Wor Garden Club Dunking Booth (local politicians?) — Shriners Exhibition Booth & possible Puppet People — Friends of Tybee Theater Kayak Exhibition & sign up for Sunday Little Tybee Tours — local Kayak co. City of Tybee Island — Tybee Remembers (a big scrapbook positioned so that people can write their own Tybee memories) St, Michael's School — Pancake breakfast on Saturday St. Michael's Children's Choir — perform Sat. afternoon Marine Rescue Squad — Low Country Boil (lunch 1-4? On Saturday) Georgia Shrimp Association — Fried Shrimp Lunch (1-4? On Saturday) Tybee Arts Association -- Tylbee Turtle Tour and exhibit -about Tybee Turtle Tour Tybee Fire Dept. — Tybee "Smoke House" positioned at Memorial Park DNR —the ARK Other things in process: Marketing with the Tybee Tourism Council Pole Banners announcing Celebrate Tybee on poles near City Hall a couple of months prior to the event A letter to Tybee business asking them to get participate, by: I . Placing posters in windows (The Tybee Art Association is sponsoring a poster contest) 01h 2. Decorate business for Tybee's 12 Birthday Party 3. Have staff dress in period costume (any decade from 1880's on) 4. Offer a specially priced item for sale that weekend (i.e., something for $18.87, the year Tybee was founded) or for the year the business was started (an 82 Gent item for 1982). 5. Contributing their original ideas about how to celebrate We will be inviting local and statewide politicians to attend and help us celebrate Tybee's 120th bi-thday. TYBEE ISLAND FIVE ARTS COMMISSION Proposal for Cultural Affairs Liaison Overviw;v The Tybee Island Fine Arts'Commission recognizes that, • The City of Tybee Island has a history of supporting arts and culture • There is no City oversight or evaluation of City monies used for arts and culture • Tybee Island has a tourism based economy that can be increased • History & cultural locations rank as top destinations for tourists According to the Travel Industry Assn. of America: Spending by all tourists = $434/trip, but Cultural tourists spend $688/trip and Cultural tourists spend an average of 5.2 nights vs. other tourists who spend only 3.3 nights * Day-trippers spend an average of $27, but overnight tourists spend $114 Arts & Cultural Heritage Tourism provides an economic engine for Tybee and is a tool for community building Because Arts and Cultural Heritage play such an essential role in the health of the community and because Arts and Cultural Heritage is an economic engine, the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission recommends the creation of a Cultural Liaison position to guide and facilitate Tybee's Arts and Cultural Heritage future. The economic stakes are too high and the work is too time-consuming for the Tybee Island Fine, Arts Commission volunteer members to accomplish the implementation of the Strategic Cultural Plan and the Cultural Heritage Plan in a truly meaningful way. A Cultural Affairs Liaison will advocate for all the Arts and Cultural Heritage groups on Tybee AUL leadership and stewardship for the City in the development of Tybee Island as a Cultural Heritage destination A Cultural Affairs Liaison will help TybE?e maximize its existing and future investments in the Arts and Culture There is an old adage that says, "if you don't know where you are going, any road will take you." One has only to look at Tybrisa Street, east of Butler to see the truth in that statement. With a plan for the future and an understanding of what Cultural Heritage Tourism can do for the community, Tybee ran enhance the entire community's well-being. The Strategic Cultural Plan and the Cultural Heritage Plan (developed with grants from the Georgia Council for the Arts) provide a vision and map for the future. A Cuftural Liaison will help guide that vision and assist in implementing those plans allowing Tybee to maximize its investment in the Arts and Culture. The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission strongly urges the City Council to consider the Commission's findings and create a Cultural Liaison position. Following is: * A Cultural Liaison job description * An in-depth analysis of the Commission's findings * A brief history of the Tee Island Fine Arts Commission and its accomplishments Cultural Liaison for the City of Tybee lslan�i Job Description The Cultural Liaison will work with the Director of Economic Development to: • coordinate arts programming and scheduling with the existing not for profits on Tybee. • seek sponsorship and funding througt, liaisons with federal, state, and local bodies and community and industry organizations prepare and submit funding applications review funding requests for City money from local not for profit arts and cultural groups help to organize and promote events create and maintain a Community Calendar and arts and cultural data base implement the Strategic Cultural Plan and work with the Tourism Council in the implementation of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Development Plan develop close working relationships with the media in regards to arts and cultural events on Tybee conduct on-site evaluations of events that are funded by the City regarding audience served, geographic draw of the program or event, audience response, effectiveness of program management, venue quality and program availability make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on future strategic cultural needs provide communication and support to the various cultural organizations while making sure that City policies and guidelines are followed ersonal and Professional Requirements: • good oral and written communications skills • ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds • strong organizational and management skills • ability to work flexible hours • ability to handle pressure and deadlines • appreciation of the importance of the arts to the community and Tybee's economic future The position is initially envisioned as part time (approximately 21 hours/week) with a salary of $20,000 plus benefits and a budget of $15,300. Equipment — Computer, telephone, fax, calculator $4,000 Programs& Activities — $7000 Production (lights, sound, tech) — $1,500 Marketing, printing (brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) — $2,0 Travel (conferences, workshops) — $500 Miscellaneous — $300 Total 0 Tybee Beautif ication — $5,000 Tybee its Assoc. — $3,000 Yeepies — $2,000 Eastern Surfing Assoc. — 1,000 Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission — $7,000 budget) Friends of Tybee Theater — $4,000 I! 1i iiii I I 1 1111 Ill I I 0 The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission recommends that the City of Tybee Island hire a Cultural Affairs the existing cultural not -for -profits in organizing cultural events, assist in implementation of the Cultural Strategic Plan, work with the Tourism Council to execute the plan for developing Cultural Heritage Tourism and to manage the growth of the arts in a planned and logical manner. ljoljgillli �Jli Arts and cultural heritage are an integral part of Tybee's economy, The Lighthouse has approximately 150,000 visitors per year.. of which 100,000 are paying visitors. Fort Pulaski draws approximately 360,000 visitors annually. The Tybee Art Association's annual juried art show on the pier draws 3,000 people per day. Many of these visitors eat on Tybee, spend the night on Tybee and spend money in Tybee's businesses, and even more would with more dedicated arts and cultural heritage oversight. The arts provide an economic engine for Tybefe. A permanent Cultural Liaison will help facilitate and guide this important part of Tybee's economic picture in the City's Master Plan, 9 Other towns and cities in Georgia are strengthening their base through the artl In Brunswick, the arts are included as one of the components of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City has taken major steps in recognizing that importance of the arts and humanities in the health and growth of the community. The economic impact of the arts on Brunswick's economy is $1,006,726.' In Douglasville, the promotion of the a.-ts is animportant part of Douglas County's economic development plan, and the importance of the Cultural Arts Council to the community and its residents is evidenced by the financial support and services received from the city and county governments. The county provides the arts with $50,000 and the city matches that support with another $50,000. The economic impact on Douglasville,& Douglas County is $896,000. Covington in Newton County has realized new income from companies who see the role that the arts play in economic development. This income has been generated by creating long-term commitments and awarding large donors with special benefits of a "Patrons of the Arts: Donor Recognition Program." An example of this new kind of donor is the Greyland Real Estate Development Co. The economic impact of the arts in Covington and Newton County is $2,413,431. Economic growth through arts and culture is riot limited to metropolitan cities; consider the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council in Colquift in rural Miller County, population 6,383. in 1992 with an all volunteer staff and budget of $2,000, the "Swamp Gravy" project was conceived as a tool for cultural and economic revitalization. "Swamp Gravy" was first performed in 1994. Today, their annual budget is over $2 million. And for its economic impact, "Swamp Gravy" now employs 38 people and has an annual payroll of $650 thousand, making it the fifth largest employer in the county, "Swamp Gravy" has published four books and has purchased and renovated four historic buildings providing space to new businesses offering new jobs to the community. The numN' r of people, who come to that community annually to see "Swamp Gravy" and other theater productions, participate in workshops, and visit the Millennium Mural Project and Storytelling Museum is estimated at 77,350. Between 75 and 80 percent of those attending do not live in Colquitt/Miller; most are from other parts of Georgia and from outside Georgia. ' The economic impact is calculated by using the Economic Prosperity Calculator developed by Americans for the Arts. [I ' The Georgia Council for the Arts and the "Americans for the Arts -® Arts & Economic Prosperity Study" 2002, were invaluable sources in the preparation of this proposal. M Not "w� ITS -111"! M youloff-my 1*06MROMM"I" I Oversight in the City will be provided by the City Council which has the power to set the budget, ascertain community priorities and identify the citizen advocates who make up the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission. The Commission, now an advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, will be charged with advising the Cultural Liaison and assisting in evaluation of arts and cultural heritage programs and events. N 7��= 1,SILL-AID FME ARTS COMMISSION A Brief History The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission was reactivated in April 2005, as an "advisory council and shall submit its findings to the Mayor and Council . ." and, in part, "to assist the City in developing an artistic plan and profile that will provide guidance and support for Tybee's various arts groups and enhance be as a cultural destination." Tybee Island Code of Ordinances, Section 7-4-4 & Section N h - - - - - - - - - . . . . . . , 1,11 # 1111M�l 1W Wt'1�0 "F, Proposal for Cultural Affairs Liaison Overview • The City of Tybee Island has a history of supporting arts and culture • There is no City oversight or evaluation of City monies used for arts and culture • Tybee Island has a tourism based economy that can be increased • History & cultural locations rank as top destinations for tourists According to the Travel Industry Assn. of America: * Spending by all tourists = $434/trip, but Cultural tourists spend $688/trip and Cultural tourists spend an average of 5.2 nights vs. other tourists who spend only 3.3 nights * Day-trippers spend an average of $27, but overnight tourists spend $114 • Arts & Cultural Heritage Tourism provides an economic engine for Tybee and is a tool for community building Because Arts and Cultural Heritage play such an essential role in the health of the community and because Arts and Cultural Heritage is an economic engine, the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission recommends the creation of a Cultural Liaison position to guide and facilitate Tybee's Arts and Cultural Heritage future. The economic stakes are too high and the work is too time-consuming for the TyIP, ee Island Fine Arts Commission volunteer members to accomplish the implementation of the Strategic Cultural Plan and the Cultural Heritage Plan in truly meaningful way. A Cultural Affairs Liaison will advocate for all the Arts and Cultural Heritage groups on Tybee and provide leadership and stewardship for the City in the development of Tybes, Island as a Cultural Heritage destination A Cultural Affairs Liaison will help Tybee maximize its existing and future investments in the Arts and Culture There is an old adage that says, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you," One has only to to at Tybrisa Street, east of Butler to see the truth in that statement. With a plan for the future and an understanding of what Cultural Heritage Tourism can do for the community, Tybee can enhance the entire community's well-being- The Strategic Cultural Plan and the Cultural Heritage Plan (developed with grants from the Georgia Council for the Arts) provide a vision and map for the future. A Cultural Liaison will help guide that vision and assist in implementing those plans allowing Tybee to maximize its investment in the Arts and Culture. The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission strongly urges the City Council to consider t Commission's findings and create a Cultural Liaison position. I Following is: • A Cultural Liaison job description • An in-depth analysis of the Commission's findings • A brief history of the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission and its accomplishments Cultural Liaison for the City of Tybee Isla Job Description i The Cultural Liaison will work with the Director of Economic Development to: • coordinate arts programming and scheduling with the existing not for profits on Tybee. • seek sponsorship and funding through liaisons with federal, state, and local bodies an( community and industry organizations • prepare and submit funding applications • review funding requests for City money from local not for profit arts and cultural groups • help to organize and promote events • create and maintain a Community Calendar and arts and cultural data base • implement the Strategic Cultural Plan and work with the Tourism Council in the implementation of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Development Plan • develop close working relationships with the media in regards to arts and cultural even F n Tybee • conduct on-site evaluations of events that are funded by the City regarding audience served, geographic draw of the program or event, audience response, effectiveness of program management, venue quality and program availability • make recommendations to the Mayor and C4 Council on future strategic cultural neec • provide communication and support to the various cultural organizations while making sure that City policies and guidelines are followed Personal and Professional Requirements.- • good oral and written communications skills • ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds • strong organizational and management skills • ability to work flexible hours • ability to handle pressure and deadlines • appreciation of the importance of the arts to the community and Tybee's economic future The position is initially envisioned as part time (approximately 21 hours/week) with a salary of $20,000 plus benefits and a budget of $15,300. Equipment — Computer, telephone, fax, calculator $4,000 Programs& Activities — $7,000 Production (lights, sound, tech) — $1,500 Marketing, printing (brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) — $2,000 Travel (conferences, workshops) — $500 Miscellaneous — $300 Total-' N Tybee Beautification — $5,000 Tybee Arts Assoc. — $3,000 Yeepies, — $2,000 Eastern Surfing Assoc. — 1,000 Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission — $7,000 ($5,000 match for GCA grant & $2,000 operating budget) Friends of Tybee Theater — $4,000 F ;-0111 a A- HOUMN I �ljiilljp;�I�, m111111 I'l ill 11111111111 1 1111111y1lill 111111,01 111111111111 iiiii�ilill III 11!!Ipg�W ki The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission recommends that the City of Tybee Island hire a Cultural Affairs liaison to work under the Director of Economic Development to co-ordinate with the existing cultural not -for -profits in organizing cultural events, assist in implementation of the Cultural Strategic Plan, work with the Tourism Council to execute the plan for developing Cultural Heritage Tourism and to manage the growth of the arts in a planned and logical manner. Arts and cultural heritage are an integral part of Tybee's economy, The Lighthouse has approximately 150,000 visitors per year, of which 100,000 are paying visitors. Fort Pulaski draws approximately 360,000 visitors annually. The Tybee Art Association's annual juried art show on the pier draws 3,000 people per day. Many of these visitors eat on Tybee, spend the night on Tybee and spend money in Tybee's businesses, and even more would with more dedicated arts and cultural heritage oversight. 2 i In Brunswick, the arts are included as one of the components of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City has taken major steps in recognizing that importance of the arts and humanities in the health and growth of the community. In Douglasville, the promotion of the arts is an important part of Douglas County's economic development plan, and the importance of the Cultural Arts Council to the community and its residents is evidenced by the financial support and services receive4f' from the city and county governments. The county provides the arts with $50,000 and the city matches that support with another $50,000. Covington in Newton County has realized new income from companies who see the role that the arts play in economic development. This income has been generated by creating long-term commitments and awarding large donors with special benefits of a "Patrons of the Arts: Donor Recognition Program." An example of this new kind of donor is the Greyland Real Estate Development Co. The economic impact of the arts in Covington and Newton County is $2,413,431. In Valdosta in Lowncles County, the City and County officials are working with the staff gmcl board members of the Annette Howell Turner Center (named for former Georgia Senator Loyce Turner's late wife) to have a hotel/motel tax passed for the Center. The Center currently has 1,000+ visitors per month. Economic growth through arts and culture is not limited to metropolitan cities; consider the ColquittlMiller Arts Council in Colquitt in rural Miller County, population 6,383. In 1992 with an all volunteer staff and budget of $2,000, the "Swamp Gravy" project was conceived as a tool cultural and economic revitalization. "Swamp Gravy" was first performed in 1994. Today, thei annual budget is over $2 million, And for its economic impact, "Swamp Gravy" now employs people and has an annual payroll of $650 thousand, making it the fifth largest employer in the f county. "Swamp Gravy" has published four books and has purchased and renovated four historic buildings providing space to new businesses offering new jobs to the community. The number of people, who come to that community annually to see "Swamp Gravy" and other theater productions, participate in workshops, and visit the Millennium Mural Project and Storytelling Museum is estimated at 77,350. Between 75 and 80 percent of those attending d not live in Colquitt/Miller; most are from other parts of Georgia and from outside Georgia. I 1 The economic Impact is calculated by using the Economic Prosperity Calculator developed by Americans for the Arts. 61, "Swamp Gravy" has become a national model for communities looking to revitalize their economy with their own particular culture and heritage. The Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs has evolved from a clerical office to an agency that impacts the community through direct art service application and long range planning for the City and its citizens. Initially created as a branch in the City Manager's Office, the DCA was transformed in 1996 into a Department. In 1998, DCA added a Cultural Tourism Category in recognition of the fact that tourism is Savannah's number one industry. Creating relationships with the CVB and hospitality industry has allowed DCA to increase the visibility of the arts. The DCA's collaboration with groups such as Buy Local Savannah, Tourism Task Force and the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority moves the arts from a tangential player to an integral part of community planning. The annual estimated total audience for all the services tht DCA offers is over 400,000. With a budget at just over $1,000,000, the agency's economic impact on the City of Savannah is more than $3,000,000. The City of Athens and Clark County governments unified in 1991 and merged all arts programs into the Arts Division of Leisure Services Department (previously Recreation and Parks). Prior to that time, local government arts programs had begun in the 1970s with the Lyndon House Arts Center and Clarke County Office of Cultural Affairs. With an annual budget just under $700,000, the economic impact is over $2 million and serves an estimated 70,000+ people. i Fil MEEMM iD A 2001 study conducted by the Georgia Institute for Technology for Americans for the Arts, found that the nonprofit arts industry in America generates $134 billion in economic activity — only the nonprofit industry. IF In Georgia, nonprofit arts organizations have over $39 billion in assets and spend almcei $20 billion annually in their local communities. * A 1998 study found the arts and cultural institutions are the 7 th largest non-government employer in Metro Atlanta, with more employees than Fortune 500 companies such as Coca Cola, GA Pacific, UPS and Sun Trust Bank. * In 1997, the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and Hawks sold 4.4 million seats or "visits." In that same year, arts and cultural events produced over 8.7 million visits. Cultural Tourism is the fastest growing form of Tourism. Tourism is Georgia's second largest industry, Tourists who travel to attend arts and cultural events usually have more vacation time and more spendable income. According to the Travel Industry Assn. of America: History & cultural locations rank as top destinations for tourists. • Spending by all tourists = $434/trip, but Cultural tourists spend $688/trip and Cultural tourists spend an average of 5.2 nights vs, other tourists who spend only 3.3 nights. 2 • Day-tripp,ers spend an average of $27, but overnight tourists spend $114. Tybee Island has a tourism based economy. Arts and Cultural Tourism is a tool for community building, they strengthen the social fabric of a community, foster a civil society and improve the quality of life. 2 The Georgia Council for the Arts and the "Americans for the Arts — Arts & Economic Prosperity Study" 2002, were invaluable sources in the preparation of this proposal. 6 TYBEE ISLAND FINE ARTS COMMISS101 A Brief History The Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission was reactivated in April 2005, as an "advisory council and shall submit its findings to the Mayor and Council . . ." and, in part, "to assist the City in developing an artistic plan and profile that will provide guidance and support for Tybee's vario arts groups and enhance Tybee as a cultural destination." Tybee Island Code of Ordinances, Section 7-4-4 & Section In two short years, the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission has- • Hosted an Open Town Hall Meeting with Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Susan Weiner and associate, Karen Paty • Received the first ever grant for Tybee Island from the Georgia Council for the Arts to develop a Cultural Strategic Plan for Tybee Island (submitted for Council approval in June 2006) • Created, distributed and interpreted an Assessment of Community Arts Needs and Interests Survey • Conducted Community Focus Groups to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses within the arts and cultural communities on Tybee • Received a second grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts to create with the Touris Council a plan for development of Cultural Heritage Tourism on Tybee • Using recommendations gathered by Consultants in the creation of the Cultural Strateg Plan, the Commission proposed to the Mayor and Council a cultural heritage celebratio of Tybee's 120t�, birthday, scheduled for the weekend of October 20, 2007 entitled Celebrate Tybee!. Council approved the proposal and planning is currently underway. The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service has committed its traveling aquanu and research boat (a converted shrimp boat called the GA Bulldog) to the festival. The DNR has also committed its traveling educational exhibit on the coast of Georgia (the Ark). The Tybee arts and cultural not for profit groups are an integral part of the celebration • Researched and analyzed the potential benefits of a Cultural Liaison position for the Cit of Tybee Island FV Tybee Island has a long history of investing in the arts; it is time for Tybee to maximize its investment in arts and culture with wise management and a vision for tomorrow. Oversight in the City will be provided by the City Council which has the power to set the budget, ascertain community priorities and identify the citizen advocates who make up the Tybee Island Fine Arts Commission. The Commission, now an advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, w ill be charged with advising the Cultural Liaison and assisting in evaluation of arts and cultural I heritage programs and events, FA