Here's a link to an interesting article about a study that purports to show the positive impact of arts on the community. Although this article (from the Ft. Myers, FL News-Press) takes a local slant, if you read the story you'll see that this is a nationwide study.
Here's a link to a 24-page summary of the report findings. It's a very quick read!
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Thanks for the link - off to have a read of it :) Maybe I can use some of it as ammunition in encouraging more art events downunder :)
Thanks, Brian! BTW, I lived in Denver for 17 years, haven't been back since 2007. Which area are you referring to? When I left, South Broadway (roughly between Alameda and Evans) was pretty dicey, but looking like it was on the upswing. East Colfax between university and Colorado Blvds and the Highlands area....same thing.
The study doesn't surprise me in the least. As one example, on a recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii I noted how when the previous sugar cane industry, the only major employer in the area in some of the small towns along the coast, closed up shop the towns basically died. The ones that were revived did so because of a tourist industry fueled by what? The arts! Most of the small shops and restaurants that were revived did so because of the local artists bringing in the tourist dollars. This scenario is played out in most big cities where once run down areas are gentrified by the artists, for example an area of Denver which was pretty much run down and forgotten about was revived by artists and art co-ops opening up shop. Now, First Fridays are one of the biggest draws around town. It stirs my blood when the arts are belittled and cut from school programs and anyone that wants to pursue the arts is told to "get a real job". Not to underplay the fact that working in the arts is not an easy way to earn a living but people are doing it as this site attests to. Okay, off my diatribe for now! Good article. it is good to make people of aware of the facts for a change.
I always love to see reports on this. Did you know that the arts, an art museum, brings more money into a community than a new stadium? Steady jobs, recurring tourism, cultural center for activities, etc.?
Even the parking revenues that these events spark bring in dollars to support the cities. Thanks for this link, Geoff.