Our Work – Switchback Group LLC

PLACE MATTERS

Every place has a unique culture that consists of a set of values, beliefs, knowledge, identity, collective memory, customs, aspirations and assumptions about themselves, others and the natural world in which they live. Each locale has its own geographic, historic and cultural contexts. Switchback Group works with communities, arts, cultural and nature organizations, and public agencies to understand the drivers of thriving, inclusive and sustainable cultural communities and to achieve their goals.

How We Work

We listen – Our most important role

We ask questions – To clarify issues and to understand the nuances

We strive to truly grasp the sense of place – Recognize and understand of the unique identity and character of place; its emotional and cognitive experiences and practices that link people to place.

We embrace collaboration and robust dialog – Each project is unique, so we learn together to truly understand the your community. Together, we explore all ideas challenging each other’s thinking to find solutions that fit the balance of your aspirations and potential.

We nurture relationships – We honor, respect and enthusiastically seek to connect with diverse individuals, experiences and viewpoints.

We pursue excellence – Adherence to the Institute of Management Consultants highest ethical and professional standards.

“ “I immerse myself in the landscape of place, experiencing as much of
its diversity as possible.”

– Christina Rusnak

The Four Constituencies

At Switchback Group, we leverage our active arts leadership and substantial planning experience to our provide a unique suite of strategic cultural planning consulting services. We work with tactical and senior level partners across multiple constituencies to achieve cultural planning goals.

Cities, Towns & Government Agencies

“Nationally, the industry generated $135.2 billion of economic activity—$61.1 billion by the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations in addition to $74.1 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences, supporting 4.1 million full-time jobs.” – Americans for the Arts National Statistics Report

Switchback Group works with arts councils, state and county agencies, city municipalities, small towns and communities.

Arts and Culture Organizations

Culture, arts, and heritage organizations are essential in giving a place meaning, linking the past to the present and future, and in creating vibrant communities. The Switchback Group works with arts and culture organizations in many ways:

– Working with the board and staff in Strategic Planning – Helping to strengthen its Organizational Development – Leadership Development – As part of a larger community visioning, goal setting and planning process

Natural Environment Organizations

Human communities are intertwined with our natural environment. We are deeply connected to our trees, rivers, prairie, coasts or mountains and the plants and animals that inhabit them.

Studies show that the health and vibrancy of the natural environment affects the health and well being of a community’s residents and the vibrancy of the cultural community.

Switchback Group actively works with nature and environmental organizations and public agencies (such as local, national and state parks, wildlife and forest service) seeking opportunities to connect people to nature and to integrate culture and arts into natural spaces.

Architecture and Urban Planning Firms

Switchback group works with developers and architectural firms seeking to connect design and development with cultural authenticity and vitality.

Understanding local culture is integral in understanding the context of place – its history, stories and vision for its future. Buildings, landscape and other architectural development endeavors which are engaging, compelling and reflect local ethos resonate with users, residents and visitors alike. We provide deep, on-the-ground cultural and community research and planning.

Our Clients

Switchback Group works on diverse projects with a variety of clients – providing counsel, research, assessment, and goal structured strategic and implementation plans that help organizations and communities achieve their goals. Current and past projects include:

Confluence Project, Vancouver, WA
Intertwine Alliance, Portland OR
Oregon State Parks
Orchestra 2001, Philadelphia, PA
Dallas Contemporary Museum, Dallas, TX
Business for Culture and Arts, Portland, OR
Pendulum Aerial Arts, Portland OR

Community Creative Placemaking and Cultural Planning project samples are available upon request.