By Mary Vinnedge
“The arts” tends to be a vague, yet positive, concept.
Most people appreciate that art is around – that if they made the time, they could view art exhibits at their town’s schools, libraries, galleries, and museums; hear live music; take a class; or see plays at local theaters. But the responsibilities of earning a living, raising kids, and paying bills conspire to make art an afterthought. So most folks seldom pop into a gallery or hear a concert.
That’s a shame, because the arts probably influence their lives and pocketbooks much more than they think.
For instance, according to 2015 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts, the arts contribute $763.6 billion to the U.S. economy. That’s more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing. Texas’ share of the pie is $42.7 billion.
The arts employ 4.9 million U.S. workers with earnings of more than $370 billion, the BEA says. These folks eat, shop, pony up for housing, pay taxes, and spend on medical and personal services – feeding their local economies.
The arts drive tourism, too. A play, concert, or exhibit means ticket sales, with a meal often complementing the experience. Parking, hotels, and filling up the gas tank are associated costs. Tourism is crucial to Galveston County, where officials spend tax dollars to create safe, easy-to-navigate destinations with enticing galleries, museums, restaurants, and boutiques.
And it’s money well-spent. The National League of Cities’ 2017 State of the Cities report found that: 1) Art and cultural activities generate tax revenue far beyond any government investment; 2) on average, every $1 that a municipality invests in the nonprofit arts such as the Galveston Art League and Galveston Symphony Orchestra generates $6 in taxes. This report says that arts and culture organizations had two further side effects: Residents perceive their cities as safer because of the organizations’ presence, and they see these organizations as nurturing a sense of community.
Cultural activities also can be a magnet for commercial growth. The Project for Public Spaces reports that cultural amenities are important considerations for 99% of CEOs looking for a new site… and companies pay taxes and hire workers.
In addition, the arts play a vital role in learning, helping children grow into successful, prosperous adults. Research has repeatedly proved that art helps kids fine-tune motor skills, for instance, working with crayons, paint, and clay. Performing arts build poise, confidence, and memory.
Students whose coursework includes art are four times likelier to be recognized for academic achievement and three times likelier to win awards for school attendance, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
And brain research at the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, shows that music improves math and reading skills while enhancing creativity, social development, personality adjustment, and self-worth.
The takeaway: Your local arts community – venues, teachers, and artists – deserves your support and the support of its government leaders.
Galveston resident Mary Vinnedge serves on the board of the nonprofit Galveston Art League, a 105-year-old all-volunteer organization that promotes visual arts and art education.
