National Governors Association Best Practice = "Support the arts"

Strengthening Rural Economies through the Arts

http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0901ARTSANDECONOMY.PDF

In seeking a competitive edge, several states are incorporating arts and cultural exchanges in their economic development approaches. The arts are a potent force in the economic life of cities and rural areas nationwide. Many states have invested in the arts as a strategy to attract the "creative class" and reverse brain drain.

Throughout states, artists and arts organizations are motivated by a commitment to artistry, tradition, and cultural heritage. Markets for traditional arts and cultural uniqueness have grown over the last several decades. Traditional arts are an opportunity for areas that have lagged behind to foster economic growth, while preserving the cultural vitality essential to community quality of life.

The arts provide learning opportunities to students, improving academic performance, attendance, and skill-building. Further, arts-based educational programs have had striking success among disadvantaged populations, especially at-risk and incarcerated youth. Arts programs have been high-impact components of economic development programs by:

• Leveraging human capital and cultural resources through tourism, crafts, and cultural attractions;
• Serving as a centerpiece for downtown redevelopment and cultural renewal;
• Creating vibrant public spaces, enhancing urban quality of life, expanding the tax base, and improving regional and community image; and
• Contributing to a region's "innovation habitat" by making communities more attractive to highly desirable, knowledge-based employees.

Governors can position their states to use the arts effectively by promoting new partnerships among state agencies, communities, and the business sector and by harnessing the power of the arts and culture as tools that unite communities, create economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life.