“Public art and the industry that it built here in West Michigan contribute millions to our local community.”
Tim Mroz is Senior Vice President of Community Development at regional economic development organization The Right Place.
According to an economic impact study released by The Arts and Culture Collective of Grand Rapids, the city, KConnect and the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, arts and culture generate $300 million dollars annually.
“Many of us have seen the impact like the foodie culture has on Grand Rapids or the beer culture had on putting Grand Rapids on the map, but I think one of things that's often overlooked is the impact that events like ArtPrize had on putting what many perceive as the small town of Grand Rapids Michigan on a nationwide map of fine art and culture.”
The study also found arts and culture institutions attract nearly 1.3 million visitors to the area each year and employ 2,500 people.
Mroz added an appealing art and culture center makes it easier to attract and retain the talent business leaders want for the area as well.
“Investments in public art - the creative arts that are identified in the study - have a direct impact on our ability to grow economically in the future, just as much as industrial tax incentives or any of the more traditional economic development conversations.”
The complete study can be found on the website of The Arts & Culture Collective of Grand Rapids.
