Editorial

Arts help boost the local economy

The Gresham Outlook, Apr 12, 2010

The arts are often viewed as a luxury – especially when government spending is involved in promoting the arts.

But in lean budgetary times, it’s also important to recognize that a modest public investment in the arts can also help create jobs and economic prosperity. As such, the limited number of tax dollars that go toward the arts can be justified, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for economic ones.

Clackamas County government, like all local jurisdictions, is in the midst of developing its budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year, and we expect that every program and agency will get extra scrutiny due to the damaging financial effects of the recent recession. While nothing will be off-limits, we believe the county should work to preserve those programs that can demonstrate a solid return on the county’s investment – including funding for the Clackamas County Arts Alliance.

Currently, the county provides about $190,000 a year to support the alliance. The four employees of the alliance are contractors – not county employees – who leverage that county expenditure in ways that benefit the general economy.

The arts alliance is engaged in many activities that have a direct local impact. It works with artists and creative groups to build their skills in business practices and strategic planning – helping to ensure that their enterprises will survive. It partners with other public and private organizations to plan exhibits, performances and public-art projects. It helps the diverse cities and communities of Clackamas County find ways to promote art and express their own unique histories and cultures.

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