VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Taking place tonight at Coastal Mod Gallery, Mayor Bobby Dyer and local DJ and Producer, Gabe Niles(also known as BugMan) headlined an hour-long conversation about the role creatives and the arts play in the city of Virginia Beach.
A wide range of topics were discussed beginning with investment in the arts and culture. Mayor Dyer stressed the importance of creatives coming to council meetings and making their voices heard, while also promoting an upcoming vote that could shift millions to up-and-coming artists.
"We’re going to vote on dedicating 20% of the amusement tax to generate, at least $1.6 million. A lot of that is going to be going to artists that are just getting started," Dyer said.
Niles, a prominent DJ from Virginia Beach hoped to create a positive space to start a dialogue on the current state and future of all artists in the city and ultimately the entire 757. He says more from city admin can be done to empower local artists.
"It makes more sense for y’all(the city) to employ a local artist because that one is going to go right back into the community anyways," Niles said when responding to what can be done to improve arts in the city.
The dialogue touched on crime in the city as a hindrance to nightlife. The mayor said folks want to feel safe at night and touted the low amounts of crime compared to other areas. Niles responded saying clubs and bars in the city aren't where a lot of the crime comes from but also that the reputation of crime in the city is another hindrance.
"It just feels like it’s like we’re built like, we’re the villains. " Niles said.
Niles and Dyer both say future conversations are expected to be had, not just with the mayor.