Arts Council of Park City and Summit County launches survey for updated cultural master plan

Photo: PCSC Masterplan

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit County’s Arts and Culture Master Plan, originally launched in 2017 with Project ABC, is being significantly updated to meet the community’s evolving needs. The revised plan, led by Jocelyn Scudder, executive director of Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, aims to close identified gaps, secure sustainable funding, and foster a stronger sense of community through the arts. Completion is anticipated by summer 2025.

Since its inception, the Project ABC Cultural Plan has helped integrate arts and culture into the county’s framework, but recent developments, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the need for a more resilient and relevant strategy. “Our initial plan gave us a solid foundation,” Scudder said. “But as our community has evolved, so have the needs and priorities around arts and culture.”

A recent economic impact study affirmed the value of the county’s cultural sector, which contributes $176 million to the local economy and $6.6 million in local taxes. “We’ve seen firsthand the impact arts and culture have—not just enriching our lives but also in tangible economic benefits,” Scudder noted.

Community involvement remains central to the plan update. The county recently launched a survey with the goal of gathering input from 1,000 residents to guide planning on issues like cultural venues, maker spaces, programming, and other community-driven needs within the local arts ecosystem. “This survey isn’t just a formality—it’s a way for residents to have a voice in shaping the future of arts and culture in Summit County,” Scudder said. The feedback collected will inform future programs, potentially including new offerings like events and maker spaces.

Partnering with Designing Local, a consulting firm specializing in cultural planning, the project aims to keep residents engaged through open houses and focus groups. Scudder stressed the importance of these events: “We’re here to listen, to make sure that this plan truly reflects the vision and values of our community.”

Supported by funding from city and county sources, as well as the Park City Chamber and local cultural nonprofits, the project’s completion is on track for mid-2025. As Scudder and her team work to achieve the survey goal by February, they continue to emphasize community-driven input as the foundation for this revised roadmap.

The updated Arts and Culture Master Plan will serve as a comprehensive guide, reflecting the unique identity of Summit County while encouraging new artistic opportunities and reinforcing the area’s creative legacy. The Arts Council, a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization committed to creating a community where arts and culture is critical, where creatives can thrive, and where all people connect through the arts, encourages Summit County esidents to get involved and take the survey at www.pcscartsplan.com.