A new study by Ann Markusen and David King argues that the arts are a core piece of a local economy. “Good schools, parks, recreation and housing are important, but also lively streets and ample opportunities for entertainment and artistic enrichment. It’s not surprising, then, that cities with high concentrations of artists – San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul – tend to be better economic performers than cities with lower concentrations – Dallas, Cleveland, Pittsburgh. Markusen is right to suggest that nurturing clusters of artists is a sound investment for governments, foundations and other donors.”