A Michigan State University (MSU) associate professor of sociology conducted a study that shows the arts can be an economic development tool, especially in hard times.
“Many people believe that the arts are only for the rich, and this is especially true when you are worried about holding onto your job, your house, or your car,” says Toby Ten Eyck, who surveyed 120 people attending two art shows in Lansing last summer.
“It is in times like these, however, that the arts can provide retailers unique opportunities. People crave entertainment, excitement, and hope, and the arts can provide all three,” he says.
But Ten Eyck’s survey found they can do more.
He queried people attending shows at Downtown Lansing's Lansing Art Gallery and Old Town’s Banyan Gallery and learned those same people also spent time at local restaurants and other retail shops.
More than 75 percent thought that the arts were "very" or "somewhat important" to Lansing’s economy. In terms of creating foot traffic in the area, more than 43 percent said they came specifically to see the shows, while another 20 percent had planned on shopping at other stores while in the area.
Ten Eyck’s study was funded by the College of Social Sciences as well as the Provost’s office at MSU.
He offers a final note for city planners.
“A handful of the people came to the galleries during the Be a Tourist in Your Own Town event,” which is presented every May by the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Others said they stopped by after attending a conference. Art and city festivals do drive traffic to retailers, and efforts should be made to promote these creative opportunities.”
Source: Toby Ten Eyck, MSU Department of Sociology
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be contacted here.
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