Local Gov Needs to View the Arts as part of Economic Development Strategy

If your local government isn’t investing in public art, it’s missing out on some serious revenue for not only itself, but for local businesses. Municipalities are usually cash strapped and rely on state and federal funding, but allocating funds to the arts may be one of the best investments.

It’s 2016, but the arts still seem to always be the first item to cut or the last to add onto city budgets. However, several cities and towns have caught on to the fact that art and cultural festivals aren’t just “fun” or “nice to look at” — instead they’re drivers of economic development.

Larger cities like Philadelphia and New York City have long been aware of the social and economic impact of the arts. Philly’s City Hall is home to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and New York City boasts an $160 million budget for its Department of Cultural Affairs. Boston has an Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events and even goes as far as to name an “Arts Czar.”

You don’t have to be a metropolis to invest in the arts either. Several mid-sized cities and even towns have stepped up to the plate.

In May of 2008, the city of Lowell, MA established the Cultural Organization of Lowell or “COOL” initiative. As a result, Lowell has been known as a destination city for culture and arts events, bringing thousands into the city and local businesses. Last year, the city allocated $137,000 to their arts and culture office.

In just one year, Lowell’s arts initiative has brought 250,000 guests into the city, generated $211,000 in private sector sponsors, and promoted over 2,500 events.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council calculated that every dollar invested in the arts, results in five dollars pumped backed into the local economy — a pretty good return on investment.

As cities and towns deliberate over budgets and priorities, they can be sure that an investment in the arts is not only the right thing, but the smart thing to do.