About AMS Planning and Research

AMS Planning & Research Selected as Lead Consultant for Durham Cultural Roadmap

AMS Planning and Research has been selected as the lead consultant with local artists, creative workers, and Creative Community Partners to collaborate on equitable engagement for the Durham Cultural Roadmap. 

In late January 2023, a resident and staff panel reviewed eight proposals from consultant firms applying to lead the Durham community in a yearlong cultural planning process. Three firms were identified as finalists and participated in interviews. The resident and staff panel recommended AMS Planning and Research for the consultant contract for the Cultural Roadmap, which was also endorsed by the Durham Cultural Advisory Board. City Council approved AMS's contract on April 17, 2023. 

AMS Planning and Research’s proposal for Durham highlighted the firm’s commitment and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access; team members have extensive training and practice in working with marginalized communities. For the Cultural Roadmap, AMS Planning and Research has complimented the strengths of its team members with local partners who have experience and familiarity with the Durham Community.  

About AMS Planning and Research (AMS)

AMS was founded in 1988 with a deep commitment to the role of the arts in communities. AMS’s purpose is to help leaders, institutions, artists, and supporters adapt and change to realize ventures that are effective, resilient, and vital.  

AMS’s 34 years of experience assures the team has the knowledge and expertise to provide meaningful perspective in these dynamic times. Through deep engagement in the arts and cultural sector, AMS captures and shares insights, document best practices, and develop frameworks that give clients the strategic direction needed to move forward with informed, practical, and achievable recommendations. 

As a partner with clients, AMS engages in conversation and joint action planning to inform how equity, diversity, inclusion, and access priorities can manifest in the way organizations operate, impacting internal stakeholders, as well as the community. AMS recognizes this work as critical, requiring long-term commitment to time and resources. 

Durham Cultural Roadmap developed with local Creative Community Partners

Local artists and creative workers (Creative Community Partners) will be invited to apply for a sub-contracting opportunity with AMS. The selected team of local artists/creative workers will develop and offer locally relevant engagement opportunities during the planning process. By infusing local artists, writers, performers, and other creative workers in the planning process, the final plan will reflect the many voices of the Durham community and lead to greater vitality of Durham’s unique cultural community.