As part of the “Cause-Minded Conversations” series, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), Business Council for the Arts and TACA held a panel discussion of area experts on “Reimagining Cities: Art’s Impact On Our Economy And Beyond” at CFT on Monday, June 9. The hour and 45 minute discussions focused on “how the arts improve our economy.” Here is a report from the field:
“Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings delivered opening remarks. The moderator was Maxwell L. Anderson, The Eugene McDermott Director of the Dallas Museum of Art, who played a key role in bringing the New Cities Summit to town. He moderated the discussion between Dallas Theater Center Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty, arts and education advocate Catherine Rose and Billingsley Development Company President Lucilo Peña.
Lucilo Pena, Max Anderson, Catherine Rose, Kevin Moriarty and Brent Christopher*
“‘The arts offer the kind of intellectual stimulation, entertainment, and rich experiences that an educated and innovative workforce wants. According to Deloitte, that’s resulted in more than a $1 billion economic impact in North Texas,’ said Brent Christopher, president and CEO of CFT. ‘We look forward to this discussion about how the performing and visual arts can further energize the economy and help the North Texas community thrive.’
“‘Of course, the arts build the reputation for our city and enhance the quality of life here,’ said Anderson. ‘Art’s impact on the economy is indirect, but indispensable.’
“North Texas has seen a major arts boom starting with the 2009 opening of Dallas’ AT&T Performing Arts Center–one of the largest urban art districts in the nation. The topic of how art can have a positive impact on cities is expected to be discussed in Dallas at both the New Cities Summit (June 17-19) and The U.S Conference of Mayors (June 20-23).
“‘Dallas is a perfect example of how the cultural arts sector has a meaningful economic impact on the community,’ said Rawlings. ‘The arts in Dallas have become a vital economic engine that contributes to the city’s long-term growth potential. The Dallas Arts District reminds our citizenry and the world that arts and culture are essential to the urban fabric if you want to promote innovation and creativity and attract and retain the best employers and talented employees.I applaud Communities Foundation of Texas for shining a light on this important issue.’
“‘The arts in Dallas not only enrich the lives of our citizens and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live, they also serve to stimulate economic growth, strengthen the quality of life in the region, and contribute to North Texas’ remarkable ability to attract an educated, high-skilled work force,’ said Moriarty. ‘One needs only to look at the Dallas Arts District, which is a vital leader in the transformation of downtown and uptown, and which serves as a beacon for new businesses, employees and residents.’
“‘Our Arts District is a powerful catalyst to having more businesses relocate to our region. Investing in the arts guarantees our future,’ according to Peña. ‘The Arts District shows us how the arts can shape not only the culture of the city but the city itself.’
“Panelist Rose said, ‘Our city and all of its citizens will benefit from a continuous intention to connect people, places and ideas. The arts do just that. From visual to performing, the arts provide a wellspring for ideas to surface, resulting in new opportunities for growth, encouraging new understanding and fostering investment in our community and beyond.’
“The host committee for ‘Reimagining Cities: Art’s Impact on our Economy & Beyond’ included Mickie and Jeff Bragalone, Nancy Carlson, Kenneth Craighead, Catherine Cuellar, Zenetta Drew, Steve Green, Robert Hernandez, Amy Hofland, Veletta Lill, Nancy Nasher,Neiman Marcus, Maria Munoz-Blanco, Charles Santos, Katherine Wagner and Becky Young.
“CFT’s Cause-Minded Conversations series takes a deeper look at Dallas’ past pressing issues and how the city and its philanthropists tackled them, as well as shine a light on contemporary civic issues and philanthropy’s answer. The events are designed to spur conversation long after the program concludes.”
* Photo provided by Communities Foundation of Texas