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Why rural communities need artists
August 20th, 2010 by Mike Knutson
If I were in charge of giving out awards at the Midwest Rural Assembly, I’d give Becky McCray the “Best Tweet” award. While listening to Deb Marquart speak about the role of artists in communities, Becky tweeted:
“Grow more artists, not just corn and athletes. Artists are the ones who reimagine a place, help create the future. Deb Marquart #mra10“
And if I were able to give out a “Most Insightful” award, I’d give it to Deb Marquart. I’ve been thinking about the role of the arts as an economic development strategy lately, but Marquart tuned me onto another potential impact artists can make. We need artists to help us solve the significant problems facing rural communities.
Marquart described artists as problem solvers, with a gift for looking at the world differently than the rest of us. We need artists to bring those problem solving skills and perspective to the table as we deal with the economic and social challenges confronting our rural communities. It’s key to helping us reimagine our futures.
There was a lot of wisdom in Marquart’s words, so I attempted to recapture some of it in a short interview following her presentation. You can watch that video below.
(Source: “Deb Marquart on Why Rural Communities need Artists,” Youtube, Rural Learning Center, Aug. 16, 2010)
I think Marquart is right in her assessment of artists, especially if it includes a wide definition of the term. Sadly, our communities don’t include artists enough in our community work. Even worse, we make little effort to cultivate their development in our schools and communities.
Later in the day, I participated in a discussion about the importance of teaching entrepreneurship to young people. It was at that moment that I began to think about potential connections between artists and entrepreneurs.
Similar to the way Marquart views artists, I’ve always looked at entrepreneurs as problem solvers; they see an economic problem and attempt to find a business solution. It’s got me thinking there’s a connection between teaching art and teaching entrepreneurship. Perhaps programs and classes that cultivate artists could help grow more entrepreneurs, and vice-versa.
Whether it’s artists, entrepreneurs, or someone else, we need to harness the energy and skills of people who bring a different perspective to the table and are good at overcoming obstacles. Our reimagined future depends on it.
Tags: art as economic development, creative economy, entrepreneurship, midwest rural assembly
Posted in Community Development, Economic Development, education, Rural | Comments (
2 )
August 20th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Absolutely! In our evolving economy, communities and regions establish and maintain their competitive advantage by generating, retaining and attracting talent and innovation … arts & cultural activities included.
http://www.therurbanfringe.com/exploring-rural-development-using-the-arts-as-an-economic-driver
Thx for the video summary.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Strong and relevant cultural programming is the base to which we can build vibrant creative communities, and creative economies.
Beyond that, a culturally rich community, which not only supports and advocates the arts, but shouts it from the towers, will become the gateway to braoder economic growth. These actions will only further those communities beyond neighboring communities who resist such efforts and progressive thinking.
Essentially, if rural communities want to, and hope to, stay important and dynamic, they must invest, they must act, and they must never back away from it’s committment to the arts. Otherwise, some other community will already be at the table, attracting and enjoying the benefits, the richness, and most of all, the incredible economic impact of the arts.
So be nice to your creative-types, ask them, include them, bring them into the community discussion, and help them help your community!