Economic Stimulus: Be Smart Invest in Art

February 7th, 2008 at 04:36pm Liz Bartolomeo

Even though Congress is still working on the final details, an economic stimulus check from the federal government is likely coming your way in a few months. So if you are not going to deposit your check into your savings account or pay off that nagging debt, why not skip that new designer handbag, iPhone, or flat-screen TV, and put some of the money towards a proven economic revitalizer—the arts?

The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year and supports 5.7 million full-time jobs. The arts provide the key to community revitalization and economic development while still being true to their fundamental purpose: to delight, to inspire, to challenge, to educate. Investing in the arts attracts and retains creative professionals, and helps foster a vibrant environment that is vital to community culture, entertainment and a thriving economy.

According to Americans for the Arts, research shows that when Americans are cultural consumers, we spend $28 per person, per event, not including the cost of admission. Money spent at parking garages, restaurants, retailers, and other merchants supports local jobs and keeps your money in your community.

Here are five great ways to spend your economic stimulus check:

1. Attend Theater Performance and Lunch for the Family
   Estimated cost of tickets, gift shop purchase, lunch, gas and parking for a family of four: $125;
2. Enroll in an Art Class
   Estimated cost of a drawing class at the local art school: $200;
3. Put on your dancing shoes and learn Ballet, Jazz, or Salsa
   Estimated cost of 90-minute class: $15 dollars;
4. Take a Weekend (or Day) Trip to a Museum
   Estimated cost of admission to the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, gas/tolls, canoe rental at the lake, a night at a bed and breakfast and meals: $300;
5. Take Music Lessons
   Estimated cost of a weekly violin lesson for three months: $600.

What other ways are you investing in the arts? Let us know in the comments section below.

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