Your support of local artists helps your economy. Nonprofit arts organizations provide full-time and part-time employment for artists as well as administrative support staff and marketing and fundraising professionals. They also contribute billions of dollars to local and state tax revenues and generate economic activity through the real estate, goods and services needed to produce their creative products. Audiences at art events help support the local economy by patronizing nearby restaurants and paying for parking and childcare.
Tourists not only purchase works of art and local crafts, they also spend money on hotels and restaurants, purchase souvenirs and make use of local businesses such as hair salons and laundromats. A thriving arts scene may be a big selling point for retirees, people looking for a vacation home or large corporations seeking business property.
Support of artists may result in educational opportunities for children in your community. When artists work with schools, they foster children's creativity, help promote literacy and teach problem-solving skills. Involvement in the arts may inspire some ids to stay in school, instill a positive work ethic, build self-esteem, promote collaboration and foster an appreciation for cultural differences.
Attend arts events and purchase artwork at local galleries. Arts groups usually receive a large portion of their incomes from government and corporate grants, and from individual donors. Attend an arts fundraiser and bring your friends. Money you contribute to a nonprofit arts groups usually is tax-deductible.
Even if you can't afford a monetary contribution, you can volunteer for an arts organization. Because budgets are tight, arts organizations depend on volunteers to keep their doors open. Volunteers can help with fundraising, marketing and events. Talk to friends and neighbors, and write to elected officials to encourage continued support for the arts.