Founders Week Panel

The Future of Arts in Chico

Is Chico going to become a well-known arts-oriented city attracting tourists, artists, students, and prospective residents? Will some arts be accentuated and others left behind? The value of the arts and their role in Chico’s future will be the topic at a special panel discussion Monday, April 17, in PAC 134, 7:30 pm.

Members of the panel will be Sarah Blackstone, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts; Pat Collentine, Chico-based artist and art instructor; Mary Gardner, art projects coordinator for the City of Chico; Phil Ruttenburg, co-founder of Chico Cabaret; and Greg Strong, co-owner of Chico Paper Company. CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg will be moderator for the discussion.

“While we have this growing reputation, to some extent our different arts—music, theatre, and others—are discrete,” said Blackstone. “It’s important we have a conversation about the whole, and how we might be able to leverage our reputation by being more aware of each other’s efforts.”