Multiple offerings: Cultural aspect is important for Wayne County, too

Now that the decision is final that city officials will be building not only a new Paramount Theater, but also a community building for local residents, it might be time to think about developing something else for Goldsboro and Wayne County.

In recent years, there have been efforts to bring more visual and performing arts offerings to this community. The Council for the Arts, under the leadership of executive director Alice Strickland and the council’s board of directors, have offered Wayne County residents chances to explore music, dance, theater and the visual arts, right here at home.

The Council for Arts building — although not as developed as the board or arts lovers probably want it to be yet — is a tremendous asset to this community. And as programs and display space continue to be developed there, it will be a real asset for Wayne County families who want to try something a little different.

The more vibrant the arts community is in a town or county, the more people are attracted to that location. Being able to see a real orchestra perform, or to take a look at paintings and other art created by masters, is a real positive in this day when finding the time to travel to the big city museum is difficult.

With a real plan for the arts and the willingness of residents to back the effort, Wayne County could become a place where an arts lover could find an evening of music and theater as well as a chance to learn a little bit more about photography, painting or other visual medium.

By planning not only an appropriate venue to attract performers, but also devoting some money and time to continuing to develop the Arts Council building, Wayne County residents could add a whole new dimension to life in this up and coming community.

As with anything that is worth doing, developing cultural and arts offerings in this community is not going to happen overnight. There will be work to be done to plan, raise money and create the type of schedule that will prompt the arts to continue to flourish here — and grow into a significant asset for residents and businesses alike.

But it is an investment that is timely, appropriate and worth the effort for those who want to see Wayne County continue to attract residents and businesses.

The recent good news downtown is just an excuse to dream about the possibilities.

Published in Editorials on October 6, 2006 11:29 AM