The importance of the arts in economic development...

An interesting article about the impact of the arts in Iowa:

Culture is economic development
Reporter: news@corridorbiznews.com

“Culture is economic development,” said Darcy Bemus, president of the board of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, at a recent press conference to announce the results of a cultural economic impact study. It was a simple yet profound statement that might be occasionally uttered without real proof. Now there is proof.

Culture doesn’t fit into the conventional thinking of what helps drive economic activity in an area, but that should now change thanks to the data presented at the press conference.

Consider the results:
•$31,777,183 spent annually in the Corridor by nonprofit cultural organizations
•$31,303,523 spent annually in the Corridor by local and out-of-town arts patrons
•$33,899,000 in resident household income
•$2,744,000 in local government tax revenue
•$3,440,000 in state government tax revenue
•1,986 full-time equivalent jobs

The regional data was part of a national study conducted by Americans for the Arts. We are typically quite skeptical of any economic impact study because numbers can and often are manipulated to prove a point. However, we feel this study is much more defensible because it didn’t even include representation from for-profit cultural organizations in the Corridor, of which there are many.

“Investing in culture is investing in a talented workforce,” said Ms. Bemus, underlining one of the primary the challenges that many cultural nonprofits face: raising money.

Most people in economic development keenly understand that having vibrant arts and culture is just as important as having good infrastructure like roads and utilities. With the competitiveness there is to keep and retain employees, not having strong arts and culture puts businesses in a severe disadvantage.

A prime example is the Cedar Rapids Science Station.

“We cannot lose this (the Science Station). We need them (cultural attractions) to attract and retain quality people,” said Rex Eno, an Aegon USA Foundation senior board member, regarding its $580,000 contribution.

Support for arts and culture from other businesses and business leaders is not new. For example, Mark Ginsberg with MC Ginsberg, John Smith with CRST and Tony Golobic with GreatAmerica Leasing are all excellent examples. But some don’t get it.

The main purpose of the study, in our view, was about respect. Like it or not, the arts and culture community has always been considered a second-class citizen when it comes to economic development. Yes, we need good infrastructure such as roads and utilities, but more and more we also need good culture.

Arts and culture not only enables businesses and organizations to thrive by affording them a vibrant place for employees to live after work, arts and culture organizations are businesses with employees.

Most of the Corridor is proud of our vibrant arts and culture. Now the Corridor should also respect arts and culture.