How Art Can Stimulate Economic Development

If you want to create growth and lasting change in your community, you have to create a sense of belonging and identity first. This can be accomplished by creating an environment of artistic expression and innovation.

Written by Kylan Stephon Hayes

Artists and Community Leaders, let’s talk about economic development.

Art and community-building have an intersection. This intersection lies in emotional resonance. People resonate with artistic expression, and the emotions around this experience are what cause long-term impact. If you want to develop a thriving community to stimulate the economy, you need an emotional connection. Art is the medium of emotional expression. What does this look like practically? Continue reading to see some examples.

Commissioned Public Art Projects.

Public art projects can be commissioned by the City Purchasing Department. These include murals, sculptures, memorials, landscape architecture, and community art. Projects like these boost civic pride, create jobs for local artists, and attract tourism and businesses. They will enhance the quality of life. The life of a city can be captured in art. Let’s let the art do the talking.

Creative Hubs

Local governments and business should consider the idea of implementing creative hubs in their locations. Creative hubs are places where artists are free to meet, collaborate, create, and ideate using their skills. These hubs serve as magnets to creative talent across the community. They will attract and retain these talents in a way that generates creativity, fosters community connection, and creates a sense of belonging. This increased creativity will attract businesses, tourists, and increase the overall quality of life.

Education Partnerships

Communities need to nurture the creative minds of the future because it is these minds that will introduce innovation, new ways of thinking, and problem-solving skills that will make the world a better place. By bridging the gap between local artists and schools, students will develop deeper critical-thinking skills preparing them to be innovators in the work force. Education partnerships will enrich the curriculum, promote creativity, and identify creative talent early to be nurtured and developed.

Image by Kimberly Farmer

Addressing Social Issues

The government does not have final say regarding what experiences we face as community members, we do. When it comes to matters of social justice, you must consult with those directly affected by problems of injustice. Art has the ability to describe these experiences in a way that resonates deeply with others. Art can be used to address social issues, challenge them, and unite communities around these issues to create solutions. This expression is art in the highest form. Self-expression is an art, so let the art do the talking.