New Brunswick is a city that
made a commitment through the
arts organizations, recognizing
what they have done to appreciate
the value of the neighborhoods.
And they’re also well aware of
the economic impact of the arts.
There was a study that said for ev-
ery dollar spent in the arts there is
a $51 impact. It makes sense when
you think that the arts employs
people who shop and eat in town,
bringing that money back. It also
goes to lumber yards for building
the sets and printing companies.
The economic impact is huge
when it comes to the arts even
before you think of the people
coming to shows who spend their
money in town.
Of course we continue to have
this major fight with the federal
government for the support of
the arts. It’s not that money that
makes the theatres, dance compa-
nies, and operas happen - but it’s
the seal of approval. It’s a way of
saying as a country and a nation
that we care about the arts and we
appreciate the role that the arts
plays. It’s easier in other countries
where arts organizations get so
much more funding from the gov-
ernment, but because we don’t
we’re constantly under siege and
we constantly have to fight. But
we also win and we win because
the people are behind us and
that’s what matters.
w
we’re constantly under siege and we constantly
have to fight. But we also win and we win because
the people are behind us and that’s what matters.
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 69
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