ROCKFORD, Ill. — The State of Culture in Rockford had its final public meeting to see what residents thought should be included in the final plan. 

The night included singing, a dinner, and hundreds of people taking surveys to see what can be done for the art scene in Rockford. 

The Rockford Area Arts Council has collected input since March of 2023 to be put to use to highlight the different cultures of Rockford’s Art scene. The plan will help spotlight local artist, volunteers, and those residents that attend shows. The plan will also generate revenue by attracting and retaining residents and visitors that come to Rockford for a show. 

“Things that we do when we’re not working and the things that we look forward to are part of arts and culture,” said Mary McNamara Bernsten, Executive Dir. for the Rockford Area Arts Council. “To get a community strong in arts and culture, you will have a strong community identity, you will have a strong sense of pride, sense of place.”

A summary of what has been found and studied since the first public meeting in May. The summary provides insight of the strengths and weakness for the Rockford Region cultural landscape. 

To learn more about the plan visit the Rockford Area Arts Council website.