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.

A May 2021 article in Governing by former New Orleans Mayor and former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu and NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux highlights this research and tells the story of how the creative sector catalyzed economic recovery in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. This real-world account, To Accelerate Our Economic Recovery, Look to the Arts, crystallizes the idea that the arts and creativity are a powerful force to aid communities recovering from economic shocks and provides a perspective that is particularly informative to elected officials, policymakers and community leaders.