Public Policy and the Arts: The Thurston County Experience

This study was implemented to determine if the origination of a county arts agency could significantly benefit Thurston County. The research included a qualitative and quantitative section. First I interviewed stakeholders comprised of local officials, arts organizations, and educators residing here. Taking the pulse of key players revealed challenges and needs unique to the combined rural/urban demographics of the county. Outlining rural areas suffered from lacking art opportunities. I sent out surveys via the Internet and fax to over 250 county arts agencies nationwide, primarily to gather demographics matching Thurston County. Selecting three variables to match Thurston County, I screened for similar population structure, diverse ethnicity, and an urban/rural mix in the same county. Three county art agencies were interviewed for preliminary data prior to comprising my case study questionnaire. After selecting county agencies most closely paralleling Thurston County, I sought representative models of six basic structural categories. Interviews with these agencies provided insight as to how local arts agencies fill their diverse community needs.