Community cultural planning can be an effective tool to strengthen the cultural community and apply cultural solutions to community problems. The process often results in increased funding for the arts, more programming for the public, and new partnerships of community leaders that support the arts. Cultural planning, however, should not be entered into without careful forethought. It is hard work, and takes time and money. There are risks of unrealistic expectations, inadequate funding, and unfulfilled objectives. It's not always a panacea, but with adequate planning, execution, and follow-up, cultural planning can make the arts an integral part of your community. (p. 6)

CONTENTS
What is Community Cultural Planning?
The Effect on the Community.
Profiles of Different Types of Plans:
     Six Common Types of Plans. 
     Three Less Common Types of Plans.
The Five-Step Approach.
Two Case Studies:
     Rapid City, South Dakota:
          Overview.
          The Plan.
          Rapid City's Cultural Planning Process.
          Successful Activities.  
     Shreveport, Louisiana:
          Overview.
          The Plan.
          Successful Activities.
Community Readiness Checklist: Are You Ready to Begin Planning?
Conclusion.
About Americans for the Arts.