“We have spent the past couple of years expanding our community and making sure that everybody felt like they could be a part of it—and that means whether they are full-time artists or folks who don’t practice as artists but are interested in arts,” Hulet recently told The Epoch Times.
He pointed to an array of council programs that support engagement with arts on a full spectrum, starting from the annual “Arts Build Confidence” program at more than 30 local schools.
The program not only opens students’ eyes to art career opportunities but also cultivates future art patrons, according to Hulet.
“One of the things we really want to highlight is that there are also opportunities for people who are math-minded, engineer-minded, and technology-minded within the art sector,” he said.
“As for those who don’t choose to do it as a career, we want to celebrate that many of them develop an appreciation for the art early in their life and become patrons who show up at theatres, symphonies, and art festivals to support our artists.”
Last year, the council created a new “Sustainable Arts Program” to provide business training and funding to aspiring artists on their journey to economic viability. According to Hulet, the program is expected to expand to nine grantees this year.
“Artists often don’t have the opportunity to learn about the business side of things because they are so heavily engaged in their artistic practice,” he said.
“While we believe that is important, it is also important for our artists to be successful within the economy that we live in.”
Hulet added that the seven-week business training program is open to all council members and will take place on Mondays, starting on March 17.
Taking the economic side of arts one step further, the council hosts the annual “Creative Impact” event to engage businesses of all stripes about the value of arts.
“It is about talking a little bit about how businesses can utilize the principles of creativity and arts at every step of the business process to enhance their success,” he said, adding that this year, the event will take place at Storm King Art Center on May 29.
This summer, the council’s arts organizations committee will run an “OC Arts Month” campaign to highlight art festivals across the county.
Then, on Nov. 8, at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, the council will host its annual art affair to celebrate the work of Orange County artists.
“We believe that everyone benefits from a creative and artistic community,” Hulet said.
“Regardless of whether or not you call yourself an artist, we hope that people will take the opportunity to come and be a part of our community.”
