Promoting Cultural Tourism - Breakout 1

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — So Your Town Is Not a Cultural Destination

Workshop Description: Countless small towns aren’t (yet) cultural destinations. Yet their hidden assets are many and can be developed for the pleasure of people who live there, and the unexpected delight of the visitor. In this session we’ll review “asset planning,” hear what’s happening in Machias, and join the residents of a (fictitious) Maine town as they think about building their community through the arts. 

Presenters: Maryo Gard Ewell

Promoting Cultural Tourism - Breakout 2

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Developing Maine's Cultural Brand

Workshop Description: Place + makers + cultural tourism. Come hear how handcraft artisans are inspired by our unique sense of place and use this to grow Maine’s creative community branding.

Presenters: Sadie Bliss, Maine Crafts Association; Peter Bissell, Bissell Brothers Brewing; Katy Kelleher, Author; Tim Christensen, Artist

Promoting Cultural Tourism - Breakout 3

2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — Activating Your Site for the New Cultural Tourist

Workshop Description: Tracy Michaud, Ph.D., will facilitate this panel on the many ways arts and cultural and other nonprofits are re-shaping their programs to enhance visitors’ participatory experience of their sites. 

Presenters: Kate McBrien, Maine Historical Society; Astrig Tanguay, Maker's Guild of Maine; Donna Moreland, Maine Office of Tourism

Facilitator: Tracy Michaud, University of Southern Maine

Promoting Cultural Tourism - Breakout 4

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Outside the Box: Creating Experiences Everywhere

Workshop Description: Entertainment, leisure, and learning are no longer confined to the proscenium or black box: tourists and local community members alike demand experiences. Join Aime Petrin of Portland Ovations; Alison Chase of Alison Chase/Performance; Saskia Reinholt of the Kingfield Art Walk; and facilitators Donna Moreland of the Maine Office of Tourism and Linda Nelson of the Arts Commission as they discuss what works and doesn't work in creating experiences that draw new audiences: why do it, and the real and potential impact on both their organizations and the communities in which they stage them.

Presenters: Saskia Reinholt, Kingfield Artwalk; Alison Chase, Alison Chase Dance; Aimee Petrin, Portland Ovations

Facilitators: Linda Nelson, Maine Arts Commission; Donna Moreland; Maine Office of Tourism