DAVIS COUNTY — Arts organizations tend to take New Year’s resolutions a little more seriously than the average person, using them as road maps for everything they hope to accomplish in the coming year.

Though 2009 hasn’t quite closed down yet, several Davis County arts organizations already have their resolutions organized and ready to go. From working on new projects to making sure that budgets stay in good shape, groups such as Rodgers Memorial Theatre, the Davis Arts Council and the Bountiful/Davis Arts Center offer up a peek about where they’re headed in 2010.

Rodgers Memorial Theatre

The major focus for the Rodgers Memorial Theatre (RMT) crew is the Davis Cultural Arts Center (DCAC), which is expected to be open in time for the 2011 theater season. The group has promised to contribute $500,000 to the building’s physical construction, and as such plan to start off the new year with a fundraising campaign where people can buy seats in the new theater. Those who do will get their names not only on the donation board, but on the seat itself.

“It’s a chance to become a part of the legacy of the new theater,” said RMT President Glen McKay, who adds that engraved paving bricks will also be a fundraising option.

More than walls and ceilings have to be in place before the DCAC can be opened, however. McKay and others are still looking for a general manager to help run the place, as well as someone to book events for nights the theater would otherwise be dark.

“Except for Sunday nights, we want to keep that place rockin’ and rolling,” said McKay. “They’re not going to get rich, but we’re looking for people who can keep that community spirit in mind.”

Davis Arts Council

Though the Davis Arts Council (DAC) is also looking to expand their subscriber base for their 2010 “Summer Nights With The Stars” concert series, they also want to make Davis County residents more aware of some of the other arts programs they have to offer. Sign-ups are already open for their 2010 Active Stages educational tour (see article on B3), and the council’s free Sunday concert series will start up again this summer.

The DAC is also planning to embrace a wider range of the art world. The council is currently working toward their goal of opening an art gallery in the Davis Conference Center. Set to be named the Snow Horse Gallery, it would feature rotating exhibits of both professional and amateur artists.

“We’ve been wanting to delve into the visual arts for awhile now, but we never have before,” said DAC Executive Director Kirt Bateman. “We think we’re close to it.”

Bountiful/Davis Arts Center

Like the other organizations, the people behind the Bountiful/Davis Arts Center (BDAC) are focusing on increasing donations and tightening the budget without sacrificing services. As part of this, the group will be experimenting with different fundraising options, possibly along the lines of the “Evening in the Arts” event the BDAC held this past October.

“We’re looking for new and innovative ways to raise money and tighten our belts,” said BDAC Executive Director Emma Dugal.

Even with the anticipated crunch, however, the BDAC is still looking at ways to bring art to more people. The group is planning to partner with the Joy Foundation on several projects designed to help disadvantaged and at-risk youth get more opportunities to experience art, including a possible after school program that BDAC is considering.

“There are some people who just need a little boost,” said Dugal. “Art can provide that.”