Grass Valley, Calif. – Nevada County Arts Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Heckler as Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District’s Program Manager, a new position at the heart of one of the state’s coveted California Cultural Districts. Heckler brings to this inaugural role 15 years of leadership experience in marketing and communications, community collaboration, and advocacy.
The role of Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District’s Program Manager is the result of one-time funding from the State of California and follows a long-time intention to invest in the fourteen inaugural California Cultural Districts, following new legislation in 2016 under Assembly Bill 189.
Says Eliza Tudor, Executive Director at Nevada County Arts Council: “Managed by the California Arts Council, and supported by the California Cultural Districts Coalition, the idea is to advocate at the legislative level for permanent funding, and funding to support new cultural districts that represent and support California’s diverse populations. We know that where culture thrives, so do people. The social and economic impacts of the arts are manifold but need baseline public funding to support sustainable community outcomes and growth. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Heather into the fold.”
The Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District Program Manager will report to Nevada County Arts Council’s Executive Director, supporting the work of multiple partners with a stake in the welfare of the Grass Valley and Nevada City communities. These include the Cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City, Grass Valley Chamber and Grass Valley Downtown Association, Nevada City Chamber, and Western Nevada County arts organizations and artists. They will embrace a multi-sector and intersectoral approach to the celebration of culture and creativity, the support for artists, and a place at the table in considering common community challenges and solutions.
“Growing up in Nevada County, it has always been clear to me that we live in a place that embraces and celebrates the arts. I’m excited to dedicate my time and energy to shining a spotlight on our Cultural District and supporting the creative community that makes it so special,” says Heckler.
Robin Davies, Executive Director at the Grass Valley Chamber and Grass Valley Downtown Association, says: “The Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District is an invaluable program through which we work to ensure the arts are involved in the fabric of our region. As our first Program Manager, Heather Heckler comes to the position with years of experience that will enhance our ability to represent, advocate, and inspire local artists for the economic vitality of our community.”
In a joint statement of the City Managers of Grass Valley and Nevada City, Tim Kiser and Sean Grayson said: “Communities are fully realized when their voices, stories and causes are shared inclusively through creative expression. Working together with our partners and our community, our twin cities are thrilled to welcome Heather and to grow our partnership with Nevada County Arts Council.”
Stuart Baker, Executive Director at Nevada City Chamber said, “We look forward to the year to come as we gather our business and creative communities together to take a look at how we can complement the phenomenal economic impacts of the arts, with cultural understanding, our cultural identity, and our sense of belonging. Heather will be a key part of this.”
Cultural District partners are approaching a busy few months. “On March 2nd, we’ll be partnering with Sierra College to present our third Business of Art Symposium, a packed day of professional development sessions for artists in all disciplines. Students are invited free of charge and no artist will be turned away for lack of funds,” says Heckler. “Then, in early April, during Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, we’ll come together for a month of arts advocacy, and launch the Road to Prosperity, a deep-dive into the economic and social impact of the arts in Nevada County.”
Says Tudor: “Then, a month later, on May 3rd, Nevada County Arts Council and partners will be bringing creative sector leaders together for a day-long leadership roundtable, an executive level in-person convening for senior staff and board members of our arts organizations and cultural and creative producers to discuss key local issues and industry trends. We’ll be launching our cultural planning process at this event and look forward to some deep dialogue.”
Nevada County Arts Council, by resolution of Nevada County Board of supervisors, is State-Local Partner with California Arts Council. A 501c3 not-for-profit organization, it facilitates collaborative efforts that promote and sustain the visual, literary and performing arts of Nevada County to advance the cultural, social and economic life of our community for all.
More information on the role of Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District and Nevada County Arts Council can be found at www.nevadacountyarts.org.