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Supporting the Arts

Supporting the Arts

Update: Sep. 09, 2011 -

New Norton exec Alswang, economy redesigning art museum's cultural identity; upcoming exhibitions will feature contemporary art and fashion /via palmbeachdailynews.com

Issue Overview

"Communities that invest in the arts reap the additional benefit of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life that positions those communities to compete in our 21st century creative economy," writes Robert Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts. His organization's 2007 report goes on to find that:

The nonprofit arts and culture are a $209.06 million industry in Palm Beach County - one that supports 4,812 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $19.42 million in local and state government revenue.

A more recent Creative Industries report (2009) found that Palm Beach County is home to 4,664 arts-related businesses that employ a total of 15,141 people. These arts-related businesses ...

...and their employees offers a wide variety of cultural attractions: music, theater, ballet, museums, gardens, and more.

Why does it matter to me?

The arts industry is crucial to Palm Beach County's tourism economy. Increasingly, public officials see the arts as an economic driver, as evidenced by the decision to use government funds to find new homes for organizations such as Florida Stage, Palm Beach Photographic Centre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, the Center for Creative Education and the Cultural Council.

Moreover, research indicates that relationships between schools, artists and cultural organizations improve student learning. To this end, local schools have established partnerships with arts organizations such as the Norton Museum. Additionally, the Palm Beach County School District recently received a $1.2 million federal grant to expand arts programming in elementary schools.

The challenge for the arts industry is its reliance on public funding and community donations. The Palm Beach Post noted that, "At the high point of the real estate boom, more than $4.5 million was collected from the percentage of the bed tax in one year; now, collections are down about 20 percent from that high point."

What can I do?

It's easy to show support for local art and culture! Attend Palm Beach County cultural events, volunteer to be an usher at a local theater, advocate for public funding, or make a direct financial contribution to your favorite arts or cultural organization. Start with the Palm Beach County Cultural Council website to identify a local organization with whom you'd like to get involved!