Does ART have an economic impact on a community/city or nation?

YOU BET! Having promoted the visual arts while living in four major cities over the last 20 years, I can testify from firsthand experience. The growth of the industry and the cultural influence certainly makes a huge difference. Starting with the birth of the print market, through the development of digital art production, billions of dollars flow through this market, and yet many Americans are still primarily uneducated as to the value or what constitutes the value of ART .

The need to reach the public through more effective media venues are still an issue. A properly spotlighted platform for the general public is still not available, nor is an organized educational system to help develop the cultural education for children in our school systems. Even Network Television and cable stations, still lack the insight to air fine arts in the 21st century. Wouldn't it be wonderful to develop both sides of the brain? Imagine what the world could be like! My own profession - "ART Marketing and Promotions" -is STILL not taught in any school or university. There is no televised AWARD programming to recognize the creative achievements of the artists.

The visual arts still take a back seat to the performing arts. WHY? After all, there are awards for everything else. The magnificent Las Vegas strip that brings millions of tourists and billions of dollars to Nevada was really created in the MINDS of the artists before it got onto the drawing boards of the architects and designers . . . however, there are NO credits! Traditionally, artists starve, and die before this recognition takes place. Nowadays, they are being compensated and recognized through advertising and special events. Juried exhibitions and awards are conducted quite frequently; however, ART has yet to be presented in a national forum that is televised.