Quotable Quotes
As a state we must continue to embrace arts, culture and technology as an economic engine. We must embrace innovation and entrepreneurship in our schools and workplaces. We must celebrate that our young people are thriving in our revitalized downtowns. We must celebrate that our extraordinary natural resources attract new residents, tourists and the jobs that come with them.
--John Baldacci, Governor of Maine
The creative industries play a major role in building and sustaining economically vibrant communities, serve as magnets to attract businesses and their employees, and are the main reason for stimulating a marked increase in cultural tourism.
--U.S. Conference of Mayors
When you bring art into the public eye, you benefit the quality of life. From the standpoint of enhancing reputation and economic development, being known as a place that promotes arts and culture is a real advantage for any city.
--Bart Peterson, Mayor of Indianapolis
It is in uncertain times like ours that we seek pleasure, solace, and instruction in the arts and humanities. A vibrant society gains meaning and direction from its creative thinkers. Studies show that creativity spurs economic growth; breakthroughs in understanding are essential to the task of building a world of opportunity. Creative thinking...will lead us to a more dynamic future.
--Thomas J. Vilsack, Governor of Iowa
You can go to any city in America and find an arts organization creating vitality in every neighborhood. And leaders still don't get it. Arts and culture is the genesis of the revitalization of communities.
--Tom Murphy, Mayor of Pittsburgh
As tools for learning, the arts and humanities have a positive impact on our children's cognitive development, their confidence, and their motivation. As we face the challenges of a new era, the arts and humanities will be vital to a future of innovation, opportunity and hope.
--George W. Bush, President of the United States
The future economic success of our state is directly tied to our ability to attract and retain exciting new jobs and young workers who are hard wired into the knowledge-based economy. In communities large and small, we must focus on economic development that makes our downtowns vibrant, our arts community thrive, and, most importantly, makes our young people want to make their homes in Michigan.
--Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan
The arts combine with more traditional quality-of-life factors including safe neighborhoods, good schools, strong infrastructure, and accessible recreational and outdoor "natural" attractions, to create more viable, desirable and livable communities. Additionally, the arts promote teamwork and team building, advance visual skills, may help increase standardized test scores and encourage problem solving--all necessary elements for a productive and self-sufficient workforce. As such, investment in the arts may be among the most innovative workforce development tools at the disposal of state governments.
--National Governors Association Center for Best Practices
Access to talented and creative people is to modern business what access to coal and iron ore was to steelmaking.
--Richard Florida, economist and author
The arts are a major force in the growth and development of our global business world. Through the arts, people learn creativity and innovation. The partnership between the arts and business improves not only economic development but also the social fabric and enlightenment of society.
--Raymond Nasher, Chairman, Business Committee for the Arts
If you want a city that will be remembered long after you are gone, make the arts an integral part of the long-term strategic plan for growth.
--Winton M. Blount, Former Chairman, Blount International, Inc.
If you do not have performing and visual arts, you don't have a complete community. Both public and private entities must invest in the arts to enhance a community's quality of life and its appearance. Performing and visual arts play a key role in making our city a wonderful place to live.
--Ronald J. Norick, former Mayor of Oklahoma City
How a community supports the arts provides insight into how the community views itself. By promoting vibrancy in the arts, we encourage a positive self-image for our community, our company and our employees. We make everyone's life better by bringing the arts closer to them.
--James E. Rogers, CEO, Sunbelt Communications
The arts can provide [governors] with tools and solutions for issues and areas that more traditional policy instruments cannot adequately address. From catalyzing urban redevelopment to nurturing indigenous industries in rural areas, the nonprofit arts make a significant contribution to quality of life and sustainable growth.
--Jonathan Katz, CEO, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
For additional information, visit the Creative Economy Resource Center or contact Jesse Rye at NASAA.
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