Arts Commission Releases Research Study Findings
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The Indiana Arts Commission has released new research regarding how the state’s municipalities are utilizing local arts and culture and economic development strategies. The Planning with Arts & Culture report was produced by Dr. Emily Wornell and Brian Blackford of the Indiana Communities Institute of Ball State University.
The research surveyed government, tourism and community foundation leaders throughout the state to determine the extent to which communities view arts and culture as a pathway to achieve economic, community, and tourism development goals. The report also set out to identify arts and culture programming priorities in communities that don’t have a robust arts and culture vision.
According to the findings, the majority of respondents agree there are economic development opportunities in arts and culture, and it is important to include arts and culture in community and economic planning initiatives. Additionally, the IAC says the majority of municipal leaders who claim their communities have little-to-no arts and culture still recognize its value.
“The Indiana Communities Institute has long advocated for place-based, people-focused investments to ensure stronger and more sustainable communities for current residents,” said ICI Executive Director David Terrell. “This research shows that local elected officials and civic leaders generally recognize arts and culture as integral parts of community economic development, but work remains to more fully maximize the partnership between the creative sector and communities to help enhance quality of place and solve local challenges.”
The IAC says the research findings will inform its program planning and overall strategy to support communities as they employ arts and culture into their economic and community development planning.
You can read the full report by clicking here.