Hello COPPeR Friend,
Today we join scores of others in celebrating the 25th Annual Arts Advocacy Day. While we aren’t physically in Washington D.C. for the national event, COPPeR communicates the value of arts all year round to civic leaders, businesses, community groups, neighbors and friends in the Pikes Peak region. Last month COPPeR gave a presentation to City Council, where we shared the intrinsic value of the arts in addition to the compelling economic benefits the arts provide our city. Thank you to all the arts leaders who came to show your support.
At the statewide level COPPeR joined Artist-entrepreneurs, owners of creative sector businesses, nonprofit cultural workers and emerging creatives at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit last week. We were all able to get a sneak peak at their new website highlighting creatives.
And of course you can help advocate too! Here are five key things you can remember about the arts in our region:
1. The arts strengthen the economy. Local nonprofit arts organizations generate $94.7 million in annual economic impact, more than 50 percent above the median for similar-sized cities.
2. With more than 1,100 creative industries employing nearly 5,000 people, the city ranks 18th out of the 50 largest cities nationwide in creative industries percapita. “Creative” industries include museums, galleries, theater companies and symphony orchestras; architecture, advertising, and creative design firms; film, radio, and television production companies; art supply stores; and art schools.
3. Area residents care about arts and culture. 82 percent of the Quality of Life Report survey respondents agreed that arts and culture improve their quality of life. Studies show that arts build community identity, inclusion and pride, creating a positive, unique and authentic regional brand.
4. The arts drive tourism. The arts shape a “destination city,” luring affluent cultural tourists, who stay longer and spend more money than other leisure travelers.
5. The arts enhance our children’s education, teaching important skills for a creative workforce: communication, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, interpretation, and innovation. Arts activities are proven to help boost student performance in other academic subjects including reading, writing, math and science. The average arts student scores 90 points higher on the SAT than does the non-arts student.
Visit our Advocate! page to learn more. Sharing information, even with just a neighbor, helps to ensure a strong creative community for years to come.
Creatively Yours,
Christina McGrath
