Overview

In light of the current challenges facing the U.S. economy—unprecedented in many ways—the need to better understand the role of the arts sector has never been more acute. To do so, NASAA spearheaded a research effort in collaboration with Prof. Douglas S. Noonan of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the Western States Arts Federation.

This collaborative research effort provides further evidence that arts and creative industries offer a powerful strategy for states and localities aiming to reignite economic growth. In addition to the healing value of the arts to communities and individuals, the arts have proven economic value and offer vital economic development strategies for diversifying and stimulating local economies in all types of communities.

Two recent articles highlight this research, providing a perspective that is particularly informative to elected officials, policymakers and community leaders:

• To Accelerate Our Economic Recovery, Look to the Arts, by former New Orleans Mayor and former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu and NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux, appeared in Governing in May 2021. It tells the story of how the creative sector catalyzed economic recovery in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
• Creativity Sparks Economic Renewal, by Montana Arts Council Chair and Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus, was posted by the National League of Cities in September 2021. This article outlines how the arts contribute to the economies of growing micropolitan areas.