(MURFREESBORO) There is a correlation between the exploding population and how non-profit arts organizations can best serve the community. The new director of The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro is asking the public to share ideas through focus groups.

New Executive Director Regina Wilkerson Ward said, "We are hosting a set of focus groups to hear from the community at large concerning their ideas and feedback as we look to pursue opportunities of growth."

The services of Randall Gross Development Economics will guide the focus groups. That firm is Nashville based, but has offices in Washington, London and Johannesburg. They have consulted on projects in 35 US states and 8 foreign countries.

Ward stressed, "We here at The Center for the Arts are inviting you to a focus group discussion to help guide the center's future as an arts organization and facility that is a part of the amazing community. We have hired an economic & strategic planning consultant to prepare a feasibility study to determine the needs and capacity required to accommodate our future growth. The consultant (Randall Gross / Development Economics) will gather your valuable insights and input to the study and to the overall vision for the future of the Center for the Arts." 

There will be three focus group meetings this coming Friday, February 10, 2023. Each session is only 1-hour in length. There are three session from which to choose this coming Friday: 10:00-11:00AM, 11:30AM-12:30PM, or 1:00-2:00PM.

Ward noted, "If you cannot attend at those times, but would still like to participate, let us know and we will try to place you in a different group or involve you in some other way."

The public is encouraged to select a time that best fit their schedule and RSVP to The Center for the Arts by clicking here for their web link, or phone 615-904-ARTS (2787).