Library as Incubator Project (LAIP): When did the studio open, and what was the impetus for turning the 970West Studio space into the space/resource that it is today?
Bob Kretschman (BK): The Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio opened to the public in January 2016. The studio was the result of several different factors and trends, all of which pointed to the need for a public multimedia recording studio connected to the library.
First, Mesa County Libraries have embarked on a long-term project to create a digital collection of materials documenting unique and vanishing aspects of local culture. The 970West Digital Collection contains video interviews with local World War II veterans (the “Veterans Remember” project), interviews with Mesa County homesteaders and their descendants, and other materials reflecting life in Mesa County. You can view the 970West Digital Collection at http://ift.tt/239Mg4V
Second, Mesa County is home to a vibrant community of artists and musicians. Local artists work in a wide variety of media, and musicians in our area cover a wide spectrum of sound from bluegrass to rock to hip-hop. Mesa County Libraries support the local artistic community in many ways, and the studio was seen as a way to provide an even stronger commitment to the arts.
Third, the popularity of creation through digital media is a defining characteristic of today’s younger generations. Young people are redefining creative works with the use of digital audio and video, and they are eager to learn and use all of the technological tools they can to exercise their creativity.
A multimedia production studio available for use by library staff as well as the public was seen as a way to address all of these needs.
LAIP: Is the studio part of a traditional library building, or is it a standalone space?
BK: The Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio is a free-standing building located at Fifth Street and Ouray Avenue, across the street from the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction, Colo. The 970West Studio building contains a 654-square-foot studio/training room, which is capable of holding 10-20 people for training; a 436-square-foot control room; a 245-square-foot space for an artist in residence; and storage space for equipment and materials.
Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio exterior.
LAIP: Was the space designed with an artist-in-residence program in mind? Why did the library feel like this was an important aspect to include in the 970West Studio?
BK: Yes, the building was designed with a 245-square-foot space for an artist in residence. Although the recording studio is the main feature of the building, we wanted the 970West Studio to represent the idea of creativity in all its forms. The best way to reach that lofty goal was to create an artist-in-residence program that could highlight a number of various artistic pursuits. One of the most exciting elements of the AIR program is the requirement that participating artists make public presentations during their residency. This allows them to share their methods, their projects, and their inspiration with the community.
LAIP: What has the community response been to the studio? Any interesting projects that were developed in the studio that you’d like to share?
BK: We have been pleasantly surprised by the community’s response to the 970West Studio. Everyone who has made a reservation has been thrilled that Mesa County Libraries are offering this kind of resource. They talk about it as source of community pride and a sign that Grand Junction and Mesa County are trying to raise the expectations of what the community should expect from local organizations making this a better place to live.
from Library as Incubator Project http://ift.tt/1OoNEOq
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/239Mfht
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