Kudos to the Boston Globe editorial board, which just delivered another important message about the arts in yesterday’s editorial, titled “Local arts: It’s big business, after all”:
Almost everyone would agree that the arts are vital to creating thriving communities. The problem for lawmakers is that it can be hard to justify to constituents that arts programs deserve funds that otherwise might go to police departments or public schools. But arts advocates received some powerful ammunition on Dec. 5 in the form of a preliminary report that states that the arts and culture sector contributed a whopping $504 billion to the American economy in 2011. Leaders across the country — such as Mayor-elect Martin Walsh — should take note.
You can find a summary of the NEA report with links to the data here.
This editorial is just the latest in a series of strong news and editorial coverage on the arts from the Globe.
Recent stories include:
- A piece by arts reporter Geoff Edgers on Boston Mayor-Elect Marty Walsh’s plans for the arts community.
- Another piece by Edgers about what local arts museums leaders hoped to see in the next mayor.
- A highly entertaining and nuanced look at the state of public art in the city by Globe art critic Sebastian Smee.
- A strong editorial lamenting the burdensome maze of permitting that Boston artists must submit to in hopes of getting approval for their projects.
