FARMINGTON – Franklin County Arts Discovery Research Project is conducting a survey of individuals and groups who are involved in arts, heritage and cultural activities in order to create a directory and Web site for the geographic area represented by SAD 9 and SAD 58 in Franklin County.

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at UMF is the recipient of a Discovery Research grant from the Maine Arts Commission to be used in surveying the cultural heritage of the area.

The information will be used to create a hard copy directory of all groups and individuals involved in arts, heritage and cultural activities; it will also become a part of the local Web site, www.franklincountyarts.org, as well as the Web site of the Maine Arts Commission.

The directory and Web site will be used as a source of information for individuals and groups who are involved in arts, cultural and heritage activities and a resource for those fostering economic development in the community.

The directory will be placed with Chambers of Commerce, libraries, town offices, real estate offices and groups who are focused on economic development. Copies will be given to each individual and group who have contributed to the directory.

While one of the purposes of the grant is to produce a directory and Web site, it is also expected that the process will discover needs in order to become a viable arts and cultural community Needs might include a building for community arts, a venue for musical and theatrical performances, a place to display visual arts and space for working and teaching.

All groups or individuals interested or involved with traditional arts, occupational arts, fine arts, local history, including quilters, actors, bird carvers, basket makers, artists, performers, contra dancers, poets, crafts folk, theater groups, singers, fiddlers, everyone interested in local heritage and cultural treasures, are encouraged to fill out a survey form in order to be included in the directory and Web site.

To be included, either fill out the survey form, which is available on line and may be downloaded at www.franklincountyarts.org, or find hard copies of the survey at many local businesses, libraries or post offices. People may also call 778-7515. Closing date for returning the survey form and being included is May 15.

The project is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission and the University of Maine at Farmington.