A workshop with curriculum developed by University of Missouri Extension will be presented from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12 at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The workshop is a hands-on training to pilot Arts and Cultural Heritage Tourism curriculum to be released by the University of Missouri this fall. The workshop and curriculum focus on assessing, developing, designing, implementing, managing and evaluating arts and cultural heritage tourism attractions, events or initiatives.
The program will provide the knowledge and tools to improve the local and regional economy through tourism initiatives focusing on the arts, culture and heritage.
- Learn how the arts, culture, and history can be a cornerstone for tourism and economic development.
- Explore how arts and cultural heritage tourism can align with agribusiness, ecotourism, and adventure-based tourism.
- Assess if arts and cultural heritage tourism is a fit for your community or region.
- Plan for, develop, implement and evaluate arts and cultural heritage tourism programs, events and attractions.
- Learn how tourism focused on community arts, culture and history can contribute to community pride, stability, growth, preservation and protection of resources and economic development.
Studies show that heritage travelers stay longer at their destination, spend more money and tend to put money back in the communities they visit. Travelers have outgrown homogenized places and are looking for unique, authentic experiences, such as those that include the arts, culture and history of a region.
The workshop is geared toward leaders in community arts organizations, art studios, and galleries, heritage festivals, lodging businesses and chambers of commerce.
Workshop participants can come from a variety of fields, including tourism, historic preservation, the arts, humanities, agri-businesses, museums, economic development, community betterment, main street projects, small business owners, heritage areas and many others. Participants can include entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit organizations, government departments, federal agencies and coalitions formed to bring these and other partners together.
Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch and materials. Register at http://bit.ly/2nTS0l3 or send or drop off payment at the University of Missouri Extension Office at the Botanical Center.
