A team of University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service students teamed up with the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) and Downtown Revitalization Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.) to identify resources for the renovation of the historic Arkansas Bank and Trust building, known locally as the John Minor building.
Students Stacy Cox of Little Rock, Ark., Zachary Glembin of Milwaukee, Wisc., Beau Papan of Little Rock, Ark., and Keith Preciados of Miami, Fla. worked on the project, which teamed up with NEDC for a project for the seventh time in the past eight years. Plans are currently underway to construct a visual arts center in downtown Newport in an effort to enhance economic development. The proposed Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts will provide a unique space for patrons to refine their talent and create ample opportunities for art related education. The visual arts center project is part of a larger revitalization effort that aims to stimulate Newport’s downtown district, and this project will assist with that.
“Based on the sustained success over the last eight years, we believe that Arkansas Delta residents are yearning for a chance to participate and enjoy the arts on a year round basis,” said Jon Chadwell, Director of the NEDC. “The Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts will serve as a gateway for local citizens to participate in the Creative Economy and to be inspired by the works of the amazingly talented artists of our region.”
A public press conference and reception will be held Monday, April 25, 2015 starting at 2 p.m. at the Newport Business Resource Center, 201 Hazel Street in Newport, Arkansas to share the work conducted by the Clinton School students. For more information about the conference feel free to call (870) 523-1009.
The students completed the project as part of the Clinton School’s Practicum program, the first of three field service projects in the Master of Public Service degree program.
About Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC)
The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC), created in 2002, is a government organization based in Newport, Arkansas that was started by a vote from Newport’s citizens. NEDC focuses on developing the community of Newport through various initiatives such as investing in infrastructure improvements and designing job-creation incentives for businesses. More information about the NEDC can be found at www.newportarcity.org.
About Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.)
The Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.) is a Newport-based non-profit effort dedicated to restoring the economic revitalization of the town’s downtown area. They focus on creating and maintaining a positive image of Newport in order to stimulate community development and expand economic activity. D.R.I.V.E. was developed by the Newport Downtown Revitalization Task Force, which was created by their mayor, David Stewart, in August 2004.More information about D.R.I.V.E. can be found either at www.newportaredc.org or https://www.facebook.com/DRIVENewport/info/.