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35 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 35 The Art of Economic Development Studies show the arts and culture sector fuels state growth By Carol Latter Many people enjoy the arts – attending a concert by their favorite band, taking the kids to a festival, going to the theater, visiting an art museum or a literary landmark. But many people have no idea that arts and culture is a huge economic driver, both in Connecticut and for the nation as a whole. Now a new study by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that arts and cultural production accounted for more than $763 billion in spending nationwide in 2015, 4.2 percent of the U.S. economy, and almost 5 million jobs. In Connecticut, the total added value was 3.4 percent of the Gross State Product. Those working in the sector, including for-profit organizations, totaled 57,326. "This study, which is from the BEA – the most trusted source when it comes to economic impact – clearly shows that investing in arts and culture and our communities is a very smart way to ensure communities continue to thrive and are attractive to people," said Kristina Newman-Scott, executive director of the Connecticut Office of the Arts, and state historic preservation officer. "Whether we're talking about people who are younger, or starting families, or ready to retire – wherever they are on their journey – they want to live in a place that's vibrant and exciting, a place they feel connected to. And the arts and culture sector helps to create that place." She said the economic impact of arts and culture on Connecticut is $9 billion, "larger than transportation, telecommunications and manufacturing. Yet the arts are still undervalued. The data shows it. I don't know how we can best get that message out there, whether it's a neon sign, projected on the moon, audio, video – and yet people still don't get it." Newman-Scott said the cities that have the strongest economies – places like Austin, Philadelphia and Houston – are thriving because of their direct investments into the arts and culture sector. At the state level in Connecticut, she said, the Department of Economic and Community Development is "making sure we are considering the role that arts and culture plays in development as an integral part of an economic development strategy. Commissioner Catherine Smith understands that, and we are investing in it in a way that is very strategic." Newman-Scott pointed out that every dollar that is invested in arts and culture leverages an additional 7 dollars. "Where else are you going to get those numbers?" she asks. "It's called the arts ripple effect." You won't hear any argument about that from Daniel Fitzmaurice, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. He said non-profit arts and culture alone kicks $135 million into the Greater New Haven economy "because of what happens after a ticket is purchased. It's the babysitter you hired, the Uber you took, the restaurant you went to before the show, the drink you had after the show, maybe the merchandise you bought while you were there. GHAC's Art on the Streets program offers lively entertainment. Kristina Newman-Scott, executive director of the Connecticut Office of the Arts [Photo by Nick Caito] ENTERTAINMENT & DIGITAL MEDIA