fyi, more on - Jersey City Branding 2.0 http://brandingyoubetter.com/2013/11/jersey-city-branding-2-0/ It?s very clear to me now. Mayor Steven Fulop doesn?t seem to understand what the department of Cultural Affairs does, nor grasp the true concept of ?branding.? In a recent interview on the website River View Observer, ?Jersey City?s New Mayor Steven M. Fulop Envisions the City?s Cultural Future? he negates the responsibilities of his own Cultural Affairs Dept. and shows a disregard for the years and effort of many. Now it makes sense why he moved the Dept. of Cultural Affairs to under the new ?Resident Response Center.? (<< Read about this transition.) If Mayor Fulop wants to move Jersey City forward and show a powerful cultural front, how about talking to his own employees about what they?ve done and what they visualize for the future. When you belittle them and file them away, it doesn?t look like you are asking them to look toward the future. (Also, the Jersey City Government website could do a better job at showcasing what makes Jersey City great.) Now, I understand, rebranding a city like Jersey City is a huge undertaking. It?s one of the most diverse cities in the country and it?s not easy to spin that when representing so many. But it?s bad brand visibility to talk about Cultural Affairs dismissively. A great place to start is by embracing the department that spent years providing? ?numerous art fairs, ethnic festivals and flag raisings, as well as local theatre, film and performing arts. They are a proud partner in the October Jersey City Artists Studio tour, which draws thousands from across the tri-state area. In addition, the Division of Cultural Affairs promotes Jersey City?s unique history, from our 19th Century ?Everything For Industry? past to our current position as New Jersey?s Gold Coast. They support patriotic events, including Memorial and Veterans Day activities and do their best to help foster civic pride in our gorgeous and historic neighborhoods. They are also the host of the Summerfest Concert Series at Liberty State Park, MLK Hub Concerts and Jazz for Lunch at Exchange Place. They curate and have monthly art shows in the Rotunda within City Hall as well as care about our local preservation and environment and have an employee focused on the Historical Project.? There used to be even more events but some had to be cut due to the lack of funding. Why is it that when someone new comes into power they start to look for expertise elsewhere instead of under their own roof? Mayor Fulop talks about new murals and galleries that are going to display the work of famous artists from around the world instead of building up the world class artists who live and work right here. How about making Jersey City great for its citizens first, then the tourists will come. As a citizen of Jersey City for the past 7 years (previously I was a Hobokenite), I see a city with such potential, yet still divided. The Heights needs so much help, which it?s not getting, as resources are pushed toward downtown Jersey City and soon Journal Square. This at least is a good thing with some funds going to the Landmark Loew?s Theatre renovation. So, Jersey City Rebranding 2.0. What do you, the public visualize for our city in the coming decades that will excite us all, bind us together as a community and welcome the masses?

Thanks for the post, I agree with most and yes the website is shameful.

The author hadn't even heard of "chilltown", no mention of JC's diverse communities, past projects, etc. Totally out of touch - a lot of whine with little cheese.

Quote:

The? THE? A $72 million dollar industry is THE major economic driver?

fyi -


Jersey City?s Cultural Affairs, Branding and Tourism

http://brandingyoubetter.com/2013/08/ ... irs-branding-and-tourism/

Jersey City has a new Mayor, Steven Fulop, and for the most part I?m happy with what he?s doing. Not only did he bring back the street cleaners, but started an initiative to get the youth involved called, ?Stop the Drop!? He?s brought on more fire fighters and police including bicycle police and has some great green ideas too. He?s cutting costs by consolidating many departments.

One of the plans has me baffled. He?s planning to fold the Division of Cultural Affairs along with Senior Affairs and Veteran?s Affairs into the newly rebranded ?Resident Response Center (RRC).? They were previously under the Department of Health and Human services. (?and why 50s style branding?)

Is it possible that the second largest city in New Jersey doesn?t get that culture and the arts are the major economic driver?

An important quote from the Hudson County Arts Master Plan, which notes how important the arts are to the Hudson County economy.

?Many economists note that while nonprofit arts and cultural organizations themselves make up a small segment of the creative economy, they are vital local-level economic engines for two reasons. First, they are much more likely than larger businesses to spend their revenues locally, buying from local vendors. Second and most important, they induce local spending on arts and entertainment. National data sets show that Hudson County household spending on arts, entertainment, and culture ? including movies ? far exceeds the spending of Hudson County households on sporting events. While this is undoubtedly due to the proximity of New York City and its cultural offerings, it shows that residents do attend and spend a good deal on culture. If Hudson County had more ways to capture this spending, it would be able to reap a share of a well established economic cycle.

According to the US Economic Census and Internal Revenue Service, the arts and creative industry is conservatively noted as at least a $72 million annual industry in Hudson County.?
__________________________________________

From the Mayor?s Transition Report: ?A common complaint from community members concerning this division is that it lacks connectivity with the entire art community and the constituency as a whole. Dealing with the permitting process for special events is cumbersome, confusing and time consuming. There is a lack of creativity and marketing for city sponsored events.?

__________________________________________

However, within the report is the call for new Jersey City Branding and to build up Tourism. How are we to build up branding and tourism without supporting the arts more fully?

?Tourism is an integral part of the economy of any major city. In addition to merging the various culture and tourism endeavors noted above ?under one roof,? a rebranding of these efforts is necessary. VISIT JC is an easy, familiar brand, easily spelled and understood. A logo should be developed and there should be a website overhaul, consistent social media campaigns and related print collateral materials such as targeted maps and visitor packages with a consistent message and coordination with area hotels and destinations. The City should consider holding contests concerning the branding and logo for the City.? (A contest??? Seriously now, how about all the talented creative people living in this city answer a RFP, which the city should put out!)

Also in the report was a final note saying they should consider the reactivation of its Cultural Arts Commission. Is Jersey City thinking more about the Sports events on the calendar with the Barclay?s Golf Tournament and 2014 NFL Championship Game.

__________________________________________

It?s your turn to comment below and tell me what you think!