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Article: Have a Plan, And Make the Most of Arts and Culture.(urban economic development)
- Article from:
- Public Management
- Article date:
- December 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 International City-County Management Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Twenty years ago, urban economic development was aimed at preserving and attracting manufacturing industries. Today, the tables have turned. Local governments are finding that commerce and tourism drive their local economies. And in this new economic climate, arts and culture are making an important difference.
Cultural attractions--art museums, historic sites, cultural districts, theaters, performing arts centers, galleries, cinemas, and zoos--always have been important quality-of-life amenities. Today, these have become much more. In the hands of farsighted local government managers, cultural organizations can become cultural assets useful in spurring downtown ...