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ARTS & OUR FUTURE
VENTURA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES ARTS FORUM
As a knowledgeable and consistent supporter of the arts, you know that “Ventura—California’s New Arts City” is more than just a marketing tool. We are living the slogan—and for very good economic, cultural and educational reasons.
Non profit arts organizations in California receive $254 million in grants and donations, and generate more than $2 billion in spending in the State. Throughout California, Arts Festivals generate $11 in revenue for every dollar spent.
Americans for the Arts, the National Service organization for cultural agencies found that 71% of all local Arts agencies have active partnerships with convention and visitors bureaus.
Locally, we know the arts simply make good sense for Ventura in so many areas:
THE ECONOMY
A recent study by AMS planning and Research on the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ventura concluded the following:
In 2003, total expenditure by Artists and Art Organizations in Ventura totaled $10.4 million. Expenditure by audiences was $8.2million—For a total of $18.6 million.
The economic impact of that significant infusion of dollars into the local economy was: the creation of 645, full and part time jobs—generating $13 million in local household income: $768,000 in local government revenue: $1.5 million in State Government revenue.
"On a national level, America's nonprofit arts industry generates $134 billion in economic activity every year--$53.2 billion in spending by arts organizations and an additional $80.8 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences. In addition, 4.85 million Full-Time Equivalent jobs are created."
The City of San Jose's public art ordinance mandates acquisition and commissioning of artworks equal to 2% of capital improvement costs. 4
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CULTURAL TOURISM:
The promotion of Ventura as a cultural destination provides the catalyst for NEW audiences and NEW dollars.
In 2003, the AMS study shows 422,150 people attended Arts events in Ventura, spent their additional dollars on food and drink, transportation, overnight accommodation etc, for a total expenditure of $8,177,977. Consequently our major local Arts organizations have grown exponentially, going from total budgets in 1999 of $499,635, to $4,061,108 in 2003.
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EDUCATION:
Studies have shown Arts education in and outside the classroom produces: higher SAT scores, lower drop-out rates, higher self esteem and self discipline , more commitment to community service, and a lower incidence of participation in gang activity and violence.
Local visual and performing arts organizations, among them: The Rubicon Theatre Company, The New West Symphony, Focus on The Masters, The Ventura County Museum of History and Arts and Kids Arts, have continued to grow their education departments, between them providing outreach to over 50,000 children throughout the County thereby enriching their lives and expanding their horizons.
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QUALITY OF LIFE:
The arts exercise our brains, nourish our souls, help make sense of a difficult and complex world, and open our minds and hearts to new ways of thinking. They help preserve our diverse cultural heritage, and provide a sense of community and belonging.
Volunteer opportunities with local Arts organizations—such as the Rubicon’s “Grande Dames” and the Music Festival’s “C Notes” provide Venturans a venue for meeting like minded people and making new friends while enriching the life of the area and creating a lively ,stimulating environment.
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CONCLUSION:
Ventura’s consistent policy of investing in the Arts is paying off. Thanks to decisions taken by enlightened City Councils, the Arts have become an increasingly visible partner in the revitalization of downtown Ventura and the County beyond. The Arts are an important part of what gives Ventura its sense of place and makes it a wonderful area to live, work, visit and grow in.
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