| New Study Shows Artists' Centers' Impact on Minnesota's Creative Economy
 A new study from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Artists'
Centers: Evolution and Impact on Artists, Neighborhoods, and Economies,
shows that Minnesota's strong creative economy owes much of its success to the
unusual number and quality of dedicated gathering spaces for artists in Minnesota.
In total, Minnesota is home to dozens of artists' centers that provide workspace,
equipment, and networking opportunities for amateur and professional writers,
musicians, and visual and performing artists.
"The centers provide an enduring convening space where artists can hone
their skills and overcome the isolation of working alone," said Ann
Markusen, Humphrey School professor and chief author of the study.
At the centers, the artists take and teach classes, get feedback on their work,
view leading edge work in progress, listen to accomplished artists share career
stories, compete for grants and opportunities to present their work, and find
mentors, inspiration, and encouragement. Access to expensive equipment and workspace
is especially precious, say the more than 200 artists interviewed.
"The centers maximize what economists call 'spillover' and help artists
become better entrepreneurs as well as better artists," said Markusen.
In previous
research, Markusen documented the economic impact artists have on the local
economy as they directly export their work, sell their skills to area companies,
and stimulate innovation among their suppliers. This new research, co-authored
by Markusen and Humphrey School graduate student and research associate Amanda
Johnson, finds that artists' centers help Minnesota "home grow" more
artists than other regions while attracting additional artists from around the
country. The Twin Cities' artistic density is high and comparable to metro areas
like Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco.
The centers also play a key role in their host neighborhoods, as Twin Cities'
centers are spread around town in a cultural mosaic rather than in a single
arts district. On an even greater scale, artists' centers in smaller cities
in greater Minnesota have revitalized declining downtown commercial districts,
as seen in Northfield and New York Mills.
"The centers bring people onto the streets day and night," notes
Markusen, "which increases safety and helps to boost sales for nearby businesses."
The authors urge policymakers and business leaders to recognize the strong
contribution that artists' centers make to local and regional economies. They
are a unique national resource-no other region in the country hosts the depth
and range of centers found in Minnesota. Continued nurturing of dedicated artistic
spaces will help the state hold onto its lead in cultural and non-arts industries,
according to Markusen.
"In the report, we document how these centers have evolved over time and
detail the fiscal challenges that center directors have faced," said Markusen.
"Minnesota's foundations and state and local arts and economic development
agencies have given significant and sustained resources to the emerging centers,
a major reason for their pre-eminence here."
The complete study including profiles of 22 centers and selected artists can
be found online. Information
on ordering copies of the publication can be found on the website as well.
February 28, 2006 |
