Have you heard this song?
Cincin Nati
Start spreadin' the news,
I'm leavin' today
I want to be a part of it,
Cinciiiiin, Natiiii
These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it,
Cinciiiin, Natiii
I wanna wake up in a city
That doesn't sleep
And find I'm king of the hill,
Top of the heap...
Ok, if you have not heard it quite like that it’s because Cincinnati still has a lot of artistic and cultural life yet to grow. Cincinnati has a lot of potential, it is home of “one of the larger collections of nineteenth-century Italianate architecture in the U.S., primarily concentrated in Over-the-Rhine. Over-the-Rhine, for many years a neighborhood of German immigrants, is one of the largest historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places”. (wikipedia).
Why shouldn’t people want to move in to Cincinnati? Why is Cincinnati still not recognized internationally as a vibrant city? It has been named: Number 5 as a U.S. arts destination, American Style Magazine (2004); Highest rated city in Ohio for "Best Cities For Young Professionals" and 18th overall, Forbes magazine (2007) and, 5th in "America's Most Affordable Cities" Forbes magazine (2009) (wikipedia).
Cincinnati can still work harder in their attempt to be recognized, not only to outsiders but also to Cincinnatians, as a city full of activity, a city where people can pretty much stumble upon art with every step, not only downtown or inside museums but everywhere!
Thanks to the study conducted by Topos Partnership and ArtsWave we now know that it is important that Cincinnatians can see art as a way of life, not just entertainment; art can and should be an active experience; and art should be for and from everyone; it should be felt as community propriety.
Art should be part of Cincinnati’s evolution. Art is important in a city that strives to grow stronger not only because of its own value (art for art sake), but because all of the other benefits that come along not only for those actively involved in creating and experiencing arts but fort the whole community. The so called “ripple effect”, arts play an important role in creating a vibrant, thriving economy and a more connected population, it brings financial benefits and development opportunities.
This is why the local government and major companies should actively support the project “Enjoy CincinnArts”. The fore mentioned program is a combination of the successful campaigns directed by Arts Wave “Paint the Street” and “Sampler Weekend”. “Enjoy CincinnArts” can be made of those two types of events. And exhibit of performing arts around the city similar to the Sampler Weekend combined with openings of citywide exhibits of artistic photographs, sculptures, and street- and wall-paintings that will remain imprinted in the city longer than the performing arts. This project would be of great value to embellish the city. The making of the sculptures should involve local artists but also the work art lov
ers and of course city lovers. By involving local artists and the community as a whole “Enjoy CincinnArts” would help develop a sense of ownership and pride over the city.
Why should citizens, politicians and businesses strongly and actively support this city project?
ü The nonprofit arts industry generates $166.2 billion annually in economic activity, supports 5.7 million jobs, and returns $12.6 billion to the federal government in income taxes. By investing in the arts, government is fostering a skilled work force of creative occupations that contribute to economic productivity. (See Americans for the Arts, Arts and Economic Prosperity III)
ü Creativity is part of a state’s competitive edge. As part of a state’s creative capacity, the arts are assets to economic recovery that support jobs, stimulate commerce and stabilize property values. (See NASAA’s Creative Economic Development Resource Center.)
ü The arts attract tourism revenue. Cultural tourism is the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry, comprised of some 118 million cultural travelers—people who include the arts and heritage in their trips each year. Cultural tourists stay longer and spend 36% more money at their destinations than other kinds of travelers. Public dollars support cultural activities and institutions such as museums, historic sites, theatres and festivals that draw visitors and residents alike. (See NASAA’s Cultural Tourism Resources.)
*Campaigning for Public Arts Support
For all of these benefits the city would only be required to give permission to locate the paintings, sculptures and photographs as well as support business in their donations by some kind of tax deduction support, citizens should jump on board by giving some of their time and artists by submitting proposals of their works. Given the magnitude of the project an institution such as ArtsWave might be the best candidate to coordinate everybody’s effort into accomplishing this project and eventually quantitatively evaluate the impact of such project.
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