In the more than five years that LancasterArts has existed, crowds at First Friday events have swelled.

Regional travel writers have referred to Lancaster city's "artsy vibe" and described downtown as an  emerging "cultural Mecca" and "a hotbed of creative pursuits."

And the various arts organizations within the city are working more collaboratively than at any time in Lancaster's history.

"Lancaster's identity is now firmly rooted in artistic creativity," declared Aaron Young, board chairman of LancasterArts, at last week's Celebrating Our Creative Community forum.

To ensure the arts remains a key component of the city's economic redevelopment, Young announced LancasterArts will merge with the city's Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 7, MOOSE will take over promotion of First Friday events and control of LancasterArts' website and Facebook pages, its Twitter feed and Flicker account.

MOOSE will continue to organize and promote annual activities such as Celebrate Lancaster, which begins the Fourth of July weekend, the mayor's tree lighting and other holiday-themed events.

It also will continue the Arts Market, in which artists and craftspeople display their wares on First Fridays. And, Music Fridays, with multiple performers downtown on the third Friday of the month.

"It just seemed like a natural progression that MOOSE take over promotion of the arts," said Jennifer Baker, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Baker said discussions about the merger began several months ago.

A $50,000 grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation will fund strategic planning for the merger. That planning will begin within the next few weeks, Baker said.

Liz Todd Lambert, president and chief operating officer of LancasterArts, said the move ensures City Hall's continued commitment to the arts.

City officials recognize that the many galleries, theaters and other performing arts venues which have sprung up in recent years are a key component to the city's economic rebirth. Those organizations support the restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses.

"I think everybody wants to see these things continue," Lambert said.

She pointed to an economic study commissioned by LancasterArts in 2010. That study by Franklin & Marshall College's Center for Opinion Research and Local Economy Center found the impact of arts spending in the city was $72 million annually and the arts accounted for 1,100 jobs.

"Those  are numbers that you're not going to ignore," she said of future city administrations.

Lambert said LancasterArts had always collaborated closely with the Mayor's Office of Special Events, the Downtown Investment District and the James Street Improvement District.

Friday's First Friday will be the last promoted by LancasterArts. MOOSE will take over with the Dec. 7 event, although Lambert said she has already compiled much of the information.

Lambert will continue operating the LancasterArts office through that event to ensure a smooth transition, she said. Then, LancasterArts will shut down and Lambert will be out of a job.

"Everything that we built will continue," she said.
bharris@lnpnews.com