PCD Brushes up with the Best in Arts and Culture at Symposium

Caption: Pictured are Barbara J. Schindler, President COO, Golden Artist Colors Inc. and Joe Silberlicht, Director of Development, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute.

(Hamilton NY) On Nov. 5, as the first real snowfall was descending on downtown Hamilton, the Partnership for Community Development (PCD) was hosting a very real conversation on the third floor of the Colgate Bookstore. The subject: How the Arts can be an economic generator for communities like Hamilton and all of Central New York. Some of the best of the Central New York’s Arts and Cultural institutions were on hand to tackle the question.

Among the invited guests were some of the leading arts and cultural institutions in Hamilton including: Porter Studios, The Ever Green Gallery, Mad Art , the Hamilton Movie Theatre and the Palace Theatre. In addition, was a panel of professionals from outside of Hamilton. Among them, the director of the Everson Museum in Syracuse, the president of the Stanley Theatre, Earlville Opera House and Utica Monday Night. There were two key note speakers; one representing the “for profit” sector and one the ”not for profit” sector.

President and COO of Golden Artist Colors, Barbara Schindler enlightened the group how a small rural town in Columbus, N.Y. became known as the home of one of the most respected paint companies in the eyes of artists all over the world.

Joe Silberlichtt, Director of Development of Munson Williams Proctor Institute, provided insight on how you could transform a small museum in upstate New York into a multi tier regional fine arts institution of art, performance and education.

Roger Bauman, managing director of the PCD was delighted with the caliber of the turnout and the quality of discussion.

“This symposium exceeded my expectations, exclaimed Bauman. “Top of my agenda was how we could all learn and benefit from each other. The overwhelming theme throughout the night was in order for economic development through the arts to thrive in Hamilton and other communities like ours; collaboration among all of the arts and cultural institutions in central New York is the key.”

The PCD is currently planning a second symposium for after the first of the year. This one will involve Artists in the central New York area to hear their perspectives.

The Partnership for Community Development is a not for profit community economic development corporation created to enhance sustainable economic opportunity and community vitality in the village and town of Hamilton and the surrounding areas.

For further information on the Partnership for Community Development or if you would like donate to their 2009 2010 fundraising campaign, please contact: Jill Pearsen Smith at 825-3537 or jillsmith@twcny.rr.com.

PCD Brushes up with the Best in Arts and Culture at Symposium

M3P Media LLC © 2009