August 18, 2012 by dandylionak
According to the National Governors’ Association’s report, arts and culture are important to economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as “creative industries,” provide direct economic benefits to communities by creating jobs, attracting investments, generating tax revenues, and stimulating local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These industries also provide an array of other benefits, such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services and preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce. In addition, because they enhance quality of life, the arts and culture are an important complement to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals to an area. Governors increasingly recognize the importance of the creative sector to their states’ economy and ability to compete in the global marketplace. A number of factors underscore the connection between economic competitiveness and creativity