The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) and the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) partnered together to develop and recently roll out assets highlighting local art in the community, including an interactive Google map called All Things Art, an Art Spaces brochure and a digital Public Art Trail Challenge Passport, featuring sculptures, murals and art-related resources in Kosciusko County.
The interactive All Things Art map was developed to promote art and build awareness about these assets and locations throughout the county. It encourages both visitors and residents alike to explore and find joy in experiencing arts and culture in the community, according to a news release from KCCVB. KEDCO Leadership Partner Suzie Light shared a vision for the project, and Grace College student Telly Varga, who served on the KEDCO team as an intern, had an integral part in identifying locations and developing the map. KCCVB is now managing the tool.
“The arts certainly enhance the quality of life in a community and have an economic impact by making a community a more attractive place. This allows more opportunities for residents and visitors to explore art amenities throughout the county, whether visiting the Wagon Wheel Theater or checking out art sculptures along the trails, all will find inspiration to pause, reflect and enjoy,” Light said.
From the All Things Art map, KCCVB created an Art Spaces brochure, containing the names and locations of many of the sculptures and murals in Kosciusko County. It was created as part of the Spaces Brochures series launched by KCCVB. Other brochures include Blue Spaces, Wild Spaces, Trail Spaces and Play Spaces, all of which were created to put Kosciusko County’s outdoor resources in one easily accessible place.
Additionally, KCCVB used content developed for the map to create a Public Art Trail Challenge Passport. It is a completely free digital passport users can sign up for and access via phone, featuring murals and sculptures in the county. When users visit and check in at 15 different art locations around the county, they will win a free pair of sunglasses with All Things Art printed on them. Once users visit all 32 locations, they will be entered in a drawing for $100 to the Village at Winona. The drawing will take place March 15, 2023.
This pass was created as a part of a series of digital passes called the Engage Kosciusko Experience Passports. Other passes include a Trail Blazer Challenge Passport and Sipping Trail Savings Passport.
“Art has the power to connect individuals of different ages and background and enhances economic and social development in our communities. We are thrilled to launch these tools which will put these art-related resources in one place for visitors and residents alike to explore,” said Laura Rothhaar, the marketing and communications manager at KCCVB.
For more information about all of these assets – the All Things Art map, Art Spaces brochure and Public Art Trail Challenge Passport – go to https://visitkosciuskocounty.org/all-things-art-3/ or stop by the Visitors Center in Warsaw.
Additionally, follow KCCVB on Facebook and Instagram @VisitKosciuskoCounty.
