As part of the approved proposal from Webb Management Services to conduct a feasibility study for a new performing arts and cultural center on Kiawah Island, the consulting firm held its first public meeting to discuss the study’s process and goals on Dec. 15 in Kiawah Island’s Municipal chambers. Duncan Webb, a consultant with Webb Management, presented at the meeting. He first went through the extensive experience in building similar art spaces that the company has with various municipalities in the United States. Close by, Webb Management has worked with Hilton Head, Virginia Beach and Brunswick, Georgia. As Webb explained, the first phase of the process is a “needs assessment.”
He said that four processes in this phase will lead to fundamental conclusions.
Those are:
• Identify the audience
• Identify who and what kinds of artists will utilize the center
• Find out the user/audience demand
• Pinpoint the goals for the center
Webb added that after those processes are concluded, the physical planning will begin, which he called a “space program.” He said, “We’ll write a space program to find out what is needed in the building. Then we’ll come up with a budget and identify who would operate and staff it.”
Webb noted that in the physical planning phase, logistics like food and beverage service, ticketing, renting the space, etc. will be discussed. “This is a part of the process that really gets people engaged on how it would work,” he said. Webb said they would also build an operating pro forma in this phase, which would work out the expenses and how it could be sustained over time. They then would perform an economic impact study to the region. He said they would suggest what else the arts center could do, like if there could be a gallery, if there could be space for meetings or conferences, space for classes or even exercise programs. Webb said that when they are ready to articulate the concept to Council, they would then see if it is desirable for them to continue. Webb Management is about three months into the process now and will need about 60 more days to complete the studies. Webb mentioned that they are also determined to find a place similar to Kiawah where an arts center has been successful.
“It is very important to compare other similar places to see how art centers work there and then how it might work here.”
Webb also identified some negative trends in the arts sector at the moment, including:
• Classical music, ballet and opera are on the decline
• Art organizations are facing financial challenges and may not be able to pay a high rental fee
• Fundraising can be tough. Arts are not covered by the government and will have to get money in other ways like through tourism or education outreach initiatives
• The need for private support is vital and sometimes hard to find
Webb suggested that the importance of articulating the value of the arts to the community will help increase fundraising. “For example, there is a real relationship on how the arts can increase health.” Webb added that it’s important to keep the costs low for the artists. And he concluded his presentation by stating that the center will only sustain if there is a strong sense of community. Webb also highly suggested that the center utilize automated systems and even technology that interacts with mobile devices. During the question and answer period, Webb covered various other topics related to geodemographics, characteristics of the market and even immersive experiences that could be integrated. Residents voiced concerns about opening the center up to too large of an audience in the area, but also that they know they need something to fill the void for the need of an arts facility of some kind. Webb also noted the quality of artists will be directly correlated with how many seats will fill the center at capacity. “This will need to be settled and I know there will be disagreements on that.” The need to think outside the box and allow other forms of art, like culinary arts, will also be crucial to success. A current arts council member, Kristin Thompson, said that one of the challenges they have is securing a location for culinary events. “We can maybe do a culinary event twice a year. We just can’t get the spaces on the dates we want. We hear from people on Seabrook, Johns Island and Kiawah that they would like to see more culinary events, but we just can’t.” David Wohl, vice chair of the arts council, said that they already know that a third of their ticket sales comes from the Charleston area. He brought up the Freshfields Village On the Green events and how the younger audience has embraced it – bringing people out from farther away. Wohl also noted that in the summer, when it is hardest to secure venues, the arts council cannot put on as many events, making it impossible to attract the tourist population. Webb Management Services has been conducting a two-phase study with phase one focused on assessment and Phase 2 focused on concept development since September. The firm has created deliverables like PDF reports, an executive summary that describes and processed results, research, an operating budget, raw data, raw survey data, and other content – all based on their interviews with stakeholders in the community and other studies. Webb Management Services came highly rated by references. The cost for the feasibility study is $77,500. The community meeting was held to communicate what they have found thus far and to engage with the community.
The Kiawah Island Arts Council is funded by a portion of the accommodation tax. For more information, email Arts and Cultural Events Coordinator Ruthie Foster at rfoster@kiawahisland.org, or visit kiawahisland.org/feasibilitystudy.
