Blog
How The Arts Impact Community
September, 27 2021
From August 5, 2021
Friends and Artists,
Why do the arts matter? What role do they play in our everyday life and communities at large? Today, we’d like to touch on some of the key ways the arts leave a strong impact.
Economic Development: According to ArtsWA, the Creative Economy makes up 7.8% of Washington State’s GDP, making $28.9 billion in total industry earnings in 2018. The arts are a significant economic driver, both in terms of actual economic impact, and business competitiveness, growth, and sustainability. The arts also advance workforce development, creating innovative workers who drive creativity and foster well-rounded partnerships.
Infrastructure: Community development brings resources together to build healthier, more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods. The arts break down barriers, encourage collaboration, and help communities flourish by enhancing engagement, communication, and ingenuity which leads to shared goals for a common vision.
Education: The arts help provide a holistic, comprehensive education for our youngest learners, both inside and outside of school. Studies show a wide range of positive impacts on students when the arts are part of a well-rounded education. In addition, early exposure to the arts leads to lifelong learning for every walk of life.
Social Justice: The arts are a powerful catalyst for sparking positive civic dialogue and engagement. The arts help us bridge gaps by bringing communities together to find common ground when we discuss issues, policies, and challenges in individuals’ lives and society at large.
In addition to enjoying the beauty and experiences of the arts themselves, these are just a few examples that remind us why the arts are critical to a happy, healthy community. Thank you for helping us keep the arts accessible, thought-provoking, and vibrant. Together we can set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving for everyone. For more information about our mission, visit our website. Have a fabulous rest of your week!
Sincerely,
The CFA Team
And Now For This Week’s Top Picks…
ARTS | First Friday Art Walk
Join us in downtown Vancouver for August’s First Friday Art Walk next week! Our downtown is home to a wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses that are ready to welcome you. Vancouver’s Downtown Association provides an interactive map with live GPS directions and a link for “More Details” about the Gallery/Artists’ exhibitions. Visit the VDA website for a complete list of participating galleries!
BROADCASTING | Nirvana & Gehenna
Re-Imagined Radio presents Nirvana & Gehenna, an interdimensional documentary written by Jerrel McQuen and produced by three-time Emmy winner Marc Rose, both of Portland, Oregon. In their story, The Multiverse is a helix. Tune in on Monday, August 16th from 12:00 – 1:00PM PST for the initial broadcast stream by KXRW FM, Vancouver, WA, and KXRY FM.
DANCE | Fall Ballet Classes
Northwest Classical Ballet is thrilled to announce the new 2021-2022 Fall Schedule! In addition to incredible youth classes and pre-professional company programs with experienced, professional staff, NWCB is adding two new Advanced Adult classes. Advanced Ballet with Sarah Fuhrman and Intermediate/Advanced Adult Contemporary with Gerard Regot.
PUBLIC ART | New Sculpture Art
Vancouver has recently accepted a donation by the Port of Portland of four sculptural artworks by nationally recognized artist Larry Kirkland. The artworks will be located at the City’s Water Resources Education Center, City Hall, and the public library in east Vancouver.
LITERARY ARTS | Poetry Open Mic
Tune into Zoom on Thursday, August 12th at 7PM to experience live poetry from home! Ghost Town Poetry invites you to a virtual Open Mic Night featuring indie writer and spoken word performer Leah Mueller. Guests are invited to read one poem for three minutes or less. $5 suggested donation.
EVENTS | Arts Alive!
Be sure to mark your calendar for the first ever Arts Alive! event planned for September 18, from noon to 4PM. This event, designed to reconnect community with the local arts organizations of Southwest Washington, will be located at the Public Service Center Plaza downtown, and will include informational booths from local groups in a festive atmosphere of live music, dance, poetry, and performance.
COMMUNITY | Friday Night Movies
Although the City’s summer concert series have been canceled again this year, Vancouver Parks and Recreation’s Free Friday Night Movies in the Parks will return July 9-Aug. 27! In addition, the City is introducing weekly free Party in the Parks neighborhood events this year, featuring music, games and crafts for the whole family. Many thanks to our event sponsors HAPO Community Credit Union, Country Financial and iQ Credit Union!