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When we began planning our special Arts and Culture issue, we at the RCGA heard the same question over and over: “Commerce is doing a special issue on arts and culture in the region?”
The answer is yes—and it’s high time we did.
All too often, the business of promoting and developing the region focuses on dry economic indicators, such as infrastructure spending, workforce needs, public policy initiatives and the like—all of which are integral ingredients to recruiting and retaining businesses in the high-stakes arena in which we compete.
But just as important are the quality of life issues that everybody—both employers and employees—care deeply about. Making a city “livable,” while fueling the needs of an expanding economy, can be a difficult puzzle to solve. But access to a vibrant and exciting arts and culture scene, one that satisfies the varying needs of a diverse population, is often the key piece to that puzzle.
In the St. Louis region, we have more than our share of top-notch institutions. This month, you’ll see stories that spotlight our civic treasures of all sizes—from the venerable Saint Louis Art Museum, to small Gitana Productions. We hope this month’s Commerce will tempt you to revisit your favorite museum or playhouse—or to explore previously-unknown venues.
Also in this issue, you’ll get an exclusive look at the results of our exhaustive economic impact survey, which, for the first time in the history of our region, actually quantifies the fiscal force that arts and culture have become in our society.
The results are nothing less than astonishing. With a combined attendance of 12.6 million people, employing some 13,800 workers, the arts have an annual impact to our regional economy of $714 million. With 88 institutions participating—including every major cultural organization—the survey will become an invaluable tool for civic and business leaders throughout the region.
Although the arts are clearly alive and well in St. Louis, you’ll also read about the challenges facing the arts today. Our survey highlights the needs that many institutions have identified—and explains why some of our foremost civic leaders are keeping a cautious eye toward the future.
We hope you’ll enjoy this special issue
of Commerce.
RICHARD C.D. FLEMING
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
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