The organizations and cultural non-profits that make up the Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE) are hosting a regional gathering for cultural workers and other creative types in the northwest Iowa region. The Clay County Cultural Convention will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the new Middle School in Spencer.

Department of Cultural Affairs Director Cyndi Pederson will be the keynote speaker, presenting her views on the business of art. She will also talk about the department's new CHAT (Culture, History, Arts Teams) program. CHAT is a new networking program for Iowa's cultural workers and their supporters, and a reporting tool that will help document their activities and generate more data about the economic impact they have on the state.

A survey is being made available to area artists, professional and otherwise. The survey is designed to collect data to help SPACE better serve the artists' community. The three-page form includes questions about artists' ability to earn a living wage, needs for studio space and health insurance, as well as questions about artists' professional goals. The survey will help organizers focus the convention to meet the needs of the artists, so it is important that forms be retuned to Arts on Grand or to the Toad's Coffee Roasting Outlet as soon as possible, prior to the May convention. The information will be compiled and results shared with those in attendance at the Cultural Convention.

Information is being sought from a wide variety of individuals. The definition of a cultural worker is wide-ranging, including actors, writers, musicians, and designers of all types as well as visual artists. Anyone who handles art, creates art, or performs art will be included. Chefs, dancers, hair stylists, tattoo artists - all are part of the creative economy in northwest Iowa, and SPACE wants to hear from them all. The data collected will allow SPACE and other related organizations to better respond to the needs of those creative persons located in this area. All data will be kept confidential.

Local cultural non-profits will be present at the convention to hold breakout sessions and listen to the needs of those concerned. Several key persons will help conduct these sessions, including Jane Goeken, Curtis Dean and representatives from the Parker Historical Society of Clay County, Arts on Grand, Spencer Area Arts Council, Spencer Community Theatre, Spencer Municipal Utilities and Mainstreet Market. Those attending will be able to network and make their concerns known to the participating organizations. In addition, we hope to find new members and volunteers to share in the great work that is making northwest Iowa a great place for creative people to live and work.

The Cultural Worker survey form can be downloaded from SPACE's web site, www.spencercreates.com, or acquired from any of the following participating organizations: Arts on Grand, Parker Historical Society of Clay County, Spencer Community Theatre, Spencer Public Library, Spencer Community Schools administration, Spencer Chamber of Commerce and Spencer Municipal Utilities.

* Questions about this event should be directed to James Schooley, 262-4320.