Rising to a challenging future

Arts and culture is a foundation for a flourishing region

An untapped asset

Northeast Ohio is at a crossroads. As our region transitions from an economy previously dominated by heavy manufacturing to a more diverse, niche manufacturing and knowledge-based economy, arts and culture is uniquely positioned to impact the region’s success. However, for the arts and culture sector to continue to advance educational achievement, the economy and the region’s quality of life, dedicated financial support is essential. Our region is at a disadvantage compared with our competitors such as Dallas, Denver and St. Louis, where there is a tradition of local public support of arts and cultural assets.  Indeed, a report by Americans for the Arts, ranked the Cleveland metropolitan area as being in the lowest quartile of the fifty largest U.S. cities in terms of per capita local government support for arts and culture.  It is an asset that few cities can boast and one that should be nurtured as a unique competitive advantage. The arts and culture sector is a resource we can’t afford to waste.