How can we grow our state’s workforce, support rural community development, increase our quality of life, and foster connectedness?
Invest in culture.
The cultural sector - libraries, historical societies, arts organizations, culture bearers, humanities, community spaces, historic preservation, artists, creative businesses, and cultural practitioners - is critical to the prosperity, health, and quality of life in communities across Maine.
The cultural sector is a powerful intersection of Maine’s economic development strategies.
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Maine’s 2020-2029 Economic Development Strategy hinges on attracting talent and innovation to grow our state’s prosperity.
The cultural economy positions itself at the intersection of economics (contributing to GDP), innovation (fostering growth and competition in traditional activities), social value (stimulating knowledge and talent), and sustainability (relying on the unlimited input of creativity and intellectual capital).
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that arts and cultural production accounts for $1,728,821,000 and 2.6% of the Maine economy, contributing 17,324 jobs.
Thriving cultural communities attract year-round workers and visitors.
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More than two-thirds of young people choose a place to live before a job.
Greater amenities and quality of life are key factors in their decisions.
After making the economic decision to move, younger members of the workforce are looking for places where they can have a meaningful work/life balance. (American Institute for Economic Research)
Arts, culture, and creativity are one of three key sectors (along with science and technology as well as business and management) that drive regional economies. (Brookings Institute)
Research shows that areas with more arts and design businesses, live music venues and performing arts facilities:
Attract more out-of-county visitors
Have higher business innovation scores
Experience faster population growth
Culture is critical to our wellbeing and prosperity.
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Culture diversifies regional economies, stokes pride, enlivens communities, improves quality of life, promotes inclusivity, and mitigates geographic isolation by building connections.
Studies show that both audience-based participation and personal participation in culture are linked to higher levels of civic engagement, respect for different cultures, and life satisfaction.
A 2015 study found that participating in cultural activities is positively associated with health, self-esteem, and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
Cultural investment drives rural growth.
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Economists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Endowment for the Arts have found:
· Rural counties that are home to performing arts organizations experienced population growth three times faster and higher household incomes (up to $6,000 higher) than rural counties lacking performing arts organizations.
· Rural counties with design-driven businesses ― those that integrate branding and design services ― recovered more quickly from the recession, showing more growth in weekly earnings over the period from 2010 to 2014.
Creative and cultural assets lift employment, wages, and the quality of place in rural areas.
A National Governor’s Association study found that creative and cultural assets can be used as a springboard for local economic development ― that is, they can catalyze growth and amplify broader community planning when integrated with economic development, workforce development, community development and other state and local policies and practices.
Two out of three rural businesses report that arts and entertainment are important to attracting and retaining workers.
Culture initiatives hold space for us to navigate rapid changes to our communities and society, and process the past.
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We must ensure technology connects us instead of fragmenting us. We need spaces to process the collective impact of the pandemic, which compounds many communities’ existing struggles and trauma. Individuals from different generations and cultures must build mutual trust and understanding. As Maine welcomes new residents, industries, and families, they need spaces to feel connected to their new communities.
Cultural participation helps community members feel heard, seen, and understood.
Culture Workers: invite your town, county, and state officials to see your cultural work in action!