Arts As Economic Engine

“In an era when public and private coffers are depleted, it’s easy to ask why arts investment should be a priority.” Real estate consultant Wendi Wheeler writes: “Culture helps build community by influencing commercial and residential development, which in turn attracts workers and residents. When companies make decisions to relocate, they seek markets with concentrations of talented workers. In turn, the power of industry to attract talented workers depends largely upon a city’s quality of life.”