St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s move to downtown Fort Pierce arts & cultural center
lays foundation to serve artists, art lovers, businesses, residents and visitors
by Laura Louise Tingo, Photos by Dieulanie Claude
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance is pleased to announce the move to its new home, nestled in exquisite gallery space in Downtown Fort Pierce’s cultural center, at 111 Orange Avenue, in Fort Pierce. Perched on the 3rd floor of the vintage, architectural icon, the beautiful gallery enables the Alliance to showcase each member of its steadily growing family with events, exhibitions, classes, and more! This year alone, membership has surpassed 100-plus members. The new location will enable the Alliance to expand its offerings by presenting quarterly-juried exhibitions, offering classes in various creative disciplines, and facilitating professional development workshops and seminars. In addition, the Alliance will begin to support the cultural community through a grant program starting this Spring.
“Being a part of the vibrant Fort Pierce Downtown is essential for the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s efforts to promote and grow the blossoming creative community in the City of Fort Pierce and greater St. Lucie County area.,” said Alyona Ushe, executive director of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance. “The new location will serve artists, art lovers, businesses, residents, and visitors.”
Partnerships in place to generate support for the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance include the city’s Downtown Business Alliance. Both dedicated champions for its monthly art walk to support local galleries and infuse more arts with visual and performing artists lining the streets in front of participating businesses – this partnership is poised to grow and strengthen the artist community and ramp up widespread excitement for this anticipated, beloved event.
Another powerful initiative that the Alliance recently implemented is “Arts Made in St. Lucie.” It’s first partner is the Chamber of Commerce aligning to sell unique local treasures created by members of the Alliance in its House of Seven Gables. “We are committed to showcasing the incredible talent to our visitors and residents alike,” said Ushe. “Providing additional venues for our artists’ work to be purchased is one of our main priorities.”
In a short time since moving to the 111 Orange Building in December 2020, the Alliance has already forged relationships with local businesses. It is proud to be a part of the Event Committee, spearheaded by Beryl Muise of Notions & Portions, and is working with city staff to develop and expand events throughout the downtown area, and beyond as a vibrant tourism draw.
The Alliance plans to hold monthly marketing meetings to offer members a place to gather and share information about upcoming events and support one another with effective cross-promotional initiatives. A calendar of events is featured on the Alliance’s website and promotes its artist members and partners on all available social media channels. In addition, this spring, the Alliance will launch its first magazine in collaboration with Martin Arts Magazine and distribute it throughout the Treasure Coast. Feature articles and human stories, events, and cultural programs will fill the pages of this brand-new, exciting publication. A listing of contributing artists working or residing in the County will be listed. Special just for members – is the exclusive opportunity to have their contact information listed in a special section!
The Alliance invites artists to join at a special offering of 25% off to its members to advertise in the new magazine – a treasure cost-wide publication of 8000 copies and mailed to affluent art lovers and connoisseurs.
Some additional benefits of Membership with the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance include:
· Listing in the Cultural Alliance online membership directory and website
· Individual page on the Cultural Alliance website and a direct link to the organization’s website
· Marketing support via e-blasts and social media
· Complimentary admission to Cultural Alliance networking events
· Discounted admission to quarterly professional development seminars
· Digital marketplace selling organization’s products online
· Consideration to participate in Creative Passport
· Access to grants search engine
· Grants application review
· Press release review and distribution support
· Consideration for Board match program
· Consideration for special project assistance
· Creative Passports featuring discounts to St. Lucie County creative establishments for full-time employees
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783