Arts And The Economy

17 February 2004 - 10:00am

Will an arts property tax spur Rust Belt revitalization?

"Studies done in the Cleveland area and Midwestern cities such as Indianapolis, Chicago and Pittsburgh show that the arts generate many millions of dollars. Arts and cultural organizations also employ significant numbers of skilled workers, including union members. They spend money on services and supplies and pull in audiences who also patronize nearby businesses. They help revive neighborhoods, attract tourists and new residents and give rise to other enterprises such as restaurants, hotels and retail shops. But here's a tougher question: Does spending tax dollars on the arts give the local economy any more of a boost?"

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 15, 2004
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It seems like we have abandoned people who need education the most