This project works closely with Colton Dennis and Kathryn Hansen, staff members of the Merced County Arts Council as well as with artist Lisa Gilliland-Viney to assess whether Merced should create an Arts & Culture district in downtown. The focus will be placed on a community development model with the goal being to create buy-in from the diverse communities within Merced. The project aims to create a feeling of inclusion in the planning of this proposed district and guide community members as they create a state-recognized Arts & Culture District. Data collection for this project includes a Qualtrics survey, ethnographic interviews, and focus groups to involve Merced residents and key informant interviews with local stakeholders.
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