A new action guide offers research insights and lessons learned from states that are harnessing the power of the arts to drive rural prosperity. Produced by the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices, the guide offers creative policy solutions that draw on home-grown arts and cultural assets to address the urgent problems facing rural America.
While there are many inspiring success stories to celebrate in rural areas, some regions also are contending with stark economic challenges, outmigration, education gaps and infrastructure needs. By leveraging the creative industries, states can deploy proven strategies that help all rural communities to thrive.
This action guide is part of a collaborative project between the NGA, the National Endowment for the Arts and NASAA.
As part of their mission to provide equitable access to the arts, state arts agencies assign a high priority to serving rural and geographically isolated communities. To learn more about state arts agency grant making, consult:
Endorsed by the Congressional Arts Caucus, this May 2019 briefing explores the power of the arts and culture to expand economic opportunities for the 60 million Americans who live in rural areas. The creative industries offer proven pathways to job creation, business expansion, talent retention and a great quality of life. Expert speakers at this briefing share rigorous research and examples of frontier entrepreneurs and rural communities that are flourishing through the arts.
NASAA'S Arts and Rural Prosperity: Capitol Hill Briefing
LIVE FROM CAPITOL HILL: NASAA's briefing on Arts and Rural Prosperity, emphasizing the power of the arts and culture to expand economic opportunities for the 60 million Americans who live in rural areas. This briefing showcases these effects by sharing rigorous research and highlighting examples of creative entrepreneurs and rural communities that are flourishing through the arts. https://tinyurl.com/y4czmmhz #ruralarts
Posted by National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: NASAA on Thursday, May 2, 2019
To inform the rural action guide, NASAA assisted the NGA with extensive background research on the arts as a rural economic development strategy. Explore these resources for a wealth of academic studies, practitioner toolkits, program models and data resources:
Contact Kelly Barsdate or more information on this project or rural arts development. Follow #ruralarts on social media.