Arts Montco strives to inspire visitors to #MakeItMontco as they explore more than 200 arts and culture offerings and plan their stay in Montgomery County
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (December 14, 2017) – The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) – the destination marketing organization for Montgomery County – launched its newest brand, Arts Montco, at an exclusive event at the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College yesterday evening. More than 100 arts enthusiasts and influencers from across Montgomery County and the region were in attendance. Special guests included WXPN Morning Show Host and Assistant Music Director, Kristen Kurtis, and Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Norris. Entertainment was provided Avalare Strings.
Montgomery County is home to more than 200 arts attractions, featuring live music venues, award-winning playhouses, historic movie theaters, amazing architecture, museums and art galleries, gardens and arboretums. Arts Montco is designed to inspire visitors to explore the arts in the county and establish Montco as an arts destination while building community awareness and pride around the arts.
“Arts Montco and the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board know that the arts are a cornerstone of the tourism industry and the region’s growing reputation as a vibrant, diverse, and creative place to live, work, play, and visit,” said Michael Norris, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Chief Strategy Officer. “The cumulative impact of performing arts, historical museums, visual arts, public art, gardens, and other organizations is profound and that impact is growing. In Montgomery County, the arts represent over $100 million dollars in economic impact. That’s why I’m so thrilled that Arts Montco is taking a regional approach to promoting the arts. This will generate future growth as we market Montco as an arts destination.”
Valley Forge & Montgomery County is rich in artistic and cultural tradition, allowing visitors to browse works from famed classical and contemporary artists, see prized theatrical performances on main stages, experience revolutionary history and be inspired at historic sites, and even make their own artwork.
“The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board wants Arts Montco to be the unifying force for promoting the arts in Montgomery County,” said Jessica Willingham, VFTCB Director of Arts & Culture. “We’re thrilled to put a spotlight on the wealth of arts and culture organizations in our county and the easy accessibility to visit, explore, and enjoy these attractions, when you plan your stay in Montco.”
To allow Montgomery County visitors to easily access all the happenings within the county, the Arts Montco website, www.artsmontco.com, has been built as a resource for information about arts and culture venues and a calendar of events.
“The website is an integral tool to marketing the arts in Montgomery County,” said Willingham. “Visitors will read about upcoming events, learn about the venues, and explore all the county has to offer in the arts and beyond.”
In addition to the Arts Montco website, the brand is also active on social media utilizing the platforms to build brand awareness and be the voice of the arts as a connected, cohesive influencer. The social pages provide fun facts, promote “hidden gems” within the county, share upcoming events, and much more.
Following the launch, the brand is already receiving positive support from area elected officials, including Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair, Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Many people move to suburban counties believing they will need to travel into the city for arts and culture,” Arkoosh said. “But here in Montgomery County, you don’t have to go that far to see award-winning theater performances, fantastically curated galleries, or ways to participate in the exciting visual and performing arts scene right here in the county. Edgar Degas once said, ‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.’ And together, with Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, I am hoping that we can make people see that Montgomery County is a great place to live and work and paint and write and dance and sing.”
State Representative Tim Briggs, who serves on the VFTCB’s Board, agreed that the arts are vital to our communities. “The arts help feed our souls, making difficult issues easier to discuss and understand,” Briggs said. “The arts are also an important part of our social, educational, and economic development. As one the four founding chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Arts & Culture Caucus and a proud Montgomery County resident and legislator, I’m thrilled that the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board has created Arts Montco to share the vibrant arts and culture scene our county has to offer with its residents and visitors to our region.”
Following the launch, Arts Montco will continue its work by promoting packages around the arts and encouraging people to plan their stay in Montco, PA. In the summer of 2018, Arts Montco will promote Cirque Du Soleil, which has identified the area around the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks as a preferred location for their tented show, VOLTA.
To learn more about Arts Montco visit www.artsmontco.com, or follow Arts Montco on social media @artsmontco on Facebook and Twitter.
Economic Impact of Arts & Culture in Montgomery County: Download the Report
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