ARMORY NEWS
Survey Indicates Strong Interest in Arts and Cultural Programming
Results will Guide Armory Planning
October 13, 2009 Brighton, CO—Brighton residents are eager to attend a wide variety of programming at the Armory at Brighton Cultural Center, according to a recently released community survey.
The survey, conducted by the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority in April, invited community input regarding theater, music, dance and visual arts as well as ticket pricing. Survey questions were drafted with input from the heART of Brighton initiative (artists and creative professionals involved with the Armory fundraising campaign) and mailed to approximately 9,000 households with the city’s water bill. Some 638 completed surveys were returned. Fifty percent of respondents were between the ages of 40 and 65, 20 percent were between 18 and 40, and 19 percent were over the age of 65. The remaining 11 percent did not include their age on the survey.
“We were delighted with the response rate, because it indicates deep local interest in Armory programming opportunities among all age groups,” said Jac Cuney, assistant executive director of BURA. “It also gave us solid direction on the types of performances and events to book and how tickets should be priced.”
Musical productions are likely to be a large draw, with 92 percent of respondents indicating a strong interest in them. Musical theater, touring groups and community performances are of top interest. More than 30 percent of respondents favor orchestra, country, jazz, bluegrass and string ensembles.
Theater and stage productions are close behind with support by 91 percent of respondents, with adult, community and children’s performances of most interest.
The Armory will also attract touring performers, and 88 percent of respondents would be very interested in that. But 85 percent say they would also like to see more local performers.
Arts, crafts and trade shows are also in demand, with support of 84 percent of respondents. There is nearly equal interest in art workshops, sales, exhibits and shows featuring painting, photography and drawing.
In terms of ticket prices, 51 percent of respondents would be willing to pay between $10 and $25 for most programs. Twenty-seven percent would pay $25 to $45. Higher prices would be acceptable for professional and touring groups or programs aimed at an adult audience; lower prices would be expected for local or amateur groups, or children’s programming.
Enthusiasm for the Armory was also demonstrated in expected attendance, with 42 percent of respondents estimating that they would come to 4-6 Armory events per year and 20 percent estimating 6-10 events per year. Twenty-nine percent estimated that they would come to 1-3 Armory events per year.
In return for filling out the survey, BURA offered a drawing for gift certificates at two downtown restaurants. Winners were Sharon Rogers ($50 at Pinocchio’s), Valerie Todd ($25 at Mojo’s) and Mildred Fitch ($25 at Mojo’s).
“We appreciate the support of our downtown restaurants,” said Cuney. “We hope everyone gets in the habit of having dinner and a show or coffee and dessert after an Armory event.”
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