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. This community development strategy has survived scrutiny and garnered results. For instance:

The Cultural Policy Center of the University of Chicago found, "The larger business community benefits from the presence of a vibrant arts community, not only because it helps firms recruit skilled workers to the region but also because it provides a pool of talent for them to draw upon for special design, organizational and marketing efforts. (The Artistic Dividend: The Arts' Hidden Contributions to Regional Development, 2005)

Two years later, The Reinvestment Fund, an organization that finances urban real estate projects and businesses, agreed on the benefits of a strong arts sector.

"Communities with a dense arts and cultural presence become simultaneously local and regional; they become destination places for arts consumers and regional choice locations for residents and businesses." (Creativity and Neighborhood Development: Strategies for Community Investment, 2007)

But have times changed so much in the recent economic climate that these results - found in community after community - no longer apply?

As recently as 2009, the National Governor's Association was still urging states to invest in the arts. In a report called Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development, they concluded:

"The arts and cultural industries provide jobs, attract investments, and stimulate local economies through tourism, consumer purchases, and tax revenue. Perhaps more significantly, they also prepare workers to participate in the contemporary workforce, create communities with high appeal to residents, businesses, and tourists, and contribute to the economic success of other sectors."

Locally, we know a strong arts sector makes good sense for all of the reasons cited above.

The Economy:
A 2008 study, sponsored by the Ventura County Community Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation, found that across the County, the non-profit arts sector brings over $121 million to our regional economy, contributes a total of $21 million of tax payments to various branches of the Government, and is responsible for nearly 2100 jobs in the county.

"To suggest some interpretive context, if these arts organizations with their 2000 employees were a single employer organization, that employer would tie as the 10th largest in the county with Community Memorial Health System and VC Unified School District. If we counted board members and volunteers as employees, it would be the size of Amgen." (Ventura County and the Arts: Impact and Opportunity for Community – Ventura County Community Foundation, 2008. Find this report here: http://www.vccf.org/programs/artslive/pdfs/ArtsLIVEinsert.pdf)

Cultural Tourism:
The promotion of Ventura as a cultural destination provides the catalyst for NEW audiences and NEW dollars.

A study by the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau reveals that cultural tourists on average spend $80.55 per person per day, significantly higher than the average visitor who spends $62.13 per day. The study also revealed that cultural tourists stay a day longer than the average visitors. (VVCB Economic Impact of Tourism in Ventura in FY 05-06)

And those promotion efforts are being noticed! Just this year Ventura was named, alongside Miami, Florida, as the nation's most Innovative Arts Destination for its innovative collaboration among the Visitors and Convention Bureau, the City of Ventura's Cultural Affairs Division and local art agencies to market our community as a travel destination. The award was the first of its kind, handed out by Destination Marketing Association International in collaboration with Americans for the Arts.

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. (Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, 2002)

Local visual and performing arts organizations, among them: The Rubicon Theatre Company, The New West Symphony, Focus on The Masters, The Museum of Ventura County and Ventura County Ballet Company, between them have provided outreach to over 50,000 children throughout the County, thereby enriching their lives and expanding their horizons.

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.

The Bell Arts Factory has enriched the life of Ventura's west side, becoming a gathering place and community resource. 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. Arts Festivals of every stripe bring thousands of people to our city in celebration.

Conclusion:
Ventura's consistent policy of investing in the Arts is paying off and must not be reversed. Thanks to decisions taken by enlightened City Councils, the Arts have become a 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.