How the Arts contribute to a vibrant community

How the Arts contribute to a vibrant community

Revisiting a blog post from 2013

· Musings

Two interesting news pieces from Canada that focus on how the support for arts is so vital for a vibrant community.

The economic imperative for investing in arts and culture 
by Todd Hirsch, The Globe and Mail

Article here

Summary
In this age of fiscal restraint, one of the easiest targets for spending cuts is the arts.....But economically.... There are several reasons why investing in culture is an economic imperative.

The first is that culture – including both arts and amateur sports – can mitigate the ups and downs of other industries. More diversity is healthy for any economy.

A better reason why the economy needs a strong cultural scene is that it helps to attract and retain labour. This is especially important for cities trying to draw smart professionals from around the world. The best and brightest workers are global citizens, and if they (or their families) are not pleased with the cultural amenities, they won’t come.

The third reason, however, is the most important. To become the creative, innovative and imaginative citizens that our companies and governments want us to be, Canadians need to willingly expose themselves to new ideas. A vibrant arts and culture community is the easiest way to make this possible.

Landmark Study Sheds Light on Profound Benefits of the Performing Arts
Canadian Arts Presenting Association

Summary
Performing arts presenting generates a wide range of benefits for Canadians, the communities they live in and society at large, according to a report prepared by Strategic Moves and released today by the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA).

The Value of Presenting: A Study of Performing Arts Presentation in Canada  includes a comprehensive historical and contemporary overview of the performing arts ecosystem. It reveals that performing arts are valued by the vast majority of Canadians – across socio-economic differences – and it provides a new perspective on younger Canadians’ interest in live performing arts. Most importantly, the study identifies a broad range of public benefits associated with performing arts presentation, including better health and well-being, greater energy and vitality in communities, and a more caring and cohesive society.