Arlington County is scheduled to聽hold a series of focus groups聽on the housing needs of artists next week.
The public discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and will be led by Minneapolis-based , a nonprofit that 鈥渦ses the tools of real estate development to create affordable, appropriate places where artists can live and work.鈥�
鈥淭he conversation with arts, community, and business leaders will focus on the potential for artist housing in a variety of neighborhoods in Arlington,鈥� according to a聽聽for the event. 鈥淭he visit will assess the viability of arts-related programming for selected sites.鈥�
There are four areas聽being considered for arts-related development: Virginia Square, Columbia Pike, the /Shirlington area, and the 23rd Street S. commercial district聽in Crystal City.
The $20,000 cost of the feasibility study is being paid for by the聽nonprofit Arlington Foundation for Arts and Innovation, according to the county, but at this point no final decision has been made as to whether to move forward with artist housing facilities in Arlington.
鈥淏y convening a broad-based conversation among community leaders, Artspace hopes to stimulate serious, forward looking dialog on the needs of Arlington鈥檚 creative community, including affordable housing for art teachers, music instructors and working artists,鈥� said the county. 鈥淭his is simply a conversation to explore the range and feasibility of arts-related uses broadly in and within a handful of specific neighborhoods.鈥�
鈥淚f the results of the initial feasibility study are positive, Artspace may be engaged to conduct a Phase II study which offers a deeper dive into the needs of the community,鈥� the county explained. 鈥淎FAI has indicated that it will fund the Phase II study if the results of the original feasibility study warrant it.鈥�
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 8, at the Arlington Economic Development offices at 1100 N. Glebe Road, 15th floor. Anybody is聽welcome to attend.
