Evidence of the economic impact of arts needed to convince local decision makers

Credible evidence together with a strong local narrative are most likely to persuade decision-makers of the arts sector’s importance to economic growth, according to a new report by the Local Government Association. The report , ‘Driving growth through local government investment in the arts’, uses case studies from across the country to examine four key arts-based contributors to prosperity: visitor numbers, creating jobs and skills, attracting businesses and revitalising places. Case studies include details of how the Turner Gallery helped to regenerate the town of Margate in Kent, and how a Milton Keynes branch of restaurant chain Zizzi’s beat its target budget by 34% during the town’s International Festival, attracting 35% more customers than expected. The report also says that where local government investment in the arts is holding up, it is because councillors have been persuaded by its contribution to growth and suggests that as Councils ‘deliver less and commission more,’ they should have a clear policy for commissioning arts organisations to achieve their economic outcomes.

http://www.local.gov.uk/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=db320e62-a4f0-4ed3-8cd4-3945335e51cd&groupId=10171