The author of Free Culture shows how we harm our children–and almost anyone who creates, enjoys, or sells any art form–with a restrictive copyright system driven by corporate interests. Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig reveals the solutions to this impasse offered by a collaborative yet profitable “hybrid economy”.
Economic Impact
Arts & the Economy: Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development
Governors increasingly recognize the importance of the creative sector to their states’ economy and ability to compete in the global marketplace. “Creative industries” provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These industries also provide an array of other benefits, such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services and preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce. In addition, because they enhance quality of life, the arts and culture are an important complement to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals to an area. This report looks at best practices for enhancing the creative economy in your state.
Creative Placemaking
Creative Placemaking is a resource for mayors, arts organizations, the philanthropic sector, and others interested in understanding strategies for leveraging the arts to help shape and revitalize the physical, social, and economic character of neighborhoods, cities, and towns. In the words of the report, “Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.” SEE PRESS RELEASE SEE REPORT
Perspectives on Cultural Tax Districts
Proceedings from a seminar on cultural tax districts sponsored by the Washington State Arts Commission and WESTAF. Held in Seattle, Washington, in February, 2008, seminar participants focused on the benefits, drawbacks, structure and impact of cultural tax districts. Participants examined several proposed, unsuccessful, and current tax district structures–such as Denver’s Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, which yields more than $42 million annually for arts and culture in a seven-county area. Printed copies of the proceedings are available upon request from WESTAF.
Communicating Value: Re-framing Arts and Culture Data
With funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, RMC conducted an inquiry into the perspectives of planning and economic development professionals on the utility of different types of arts and cultural data. RMC created a typology of arts and culture data and tested it through focused discussions and interviews. Through this process we learned about ways that cultural data might be collected and presented more effectively. One outcome of this work is the monograph Communicating Value: Re-framing Arts and Culture Data.
Thinking Creatively and Competing Globally: The Role of the Arts in the 21st Century American Workforce
Three essays were commissioned for the National Arts Policy Roundtable, co-convened annually by Americans for the Arts and the Sundance Preserve. The 2007 Roundtable focused on the challenge of preparing students to enter the workforce with the creativity and innovation skills that are essential to ensuring that American business will prosper. The essays in this publication are: Creating a Whole New World: Placing Arts and Education in the Center of the Flat Earth by Dr. Paul D. Houston; The Arts & Creativity in Education: Keys to American Economic Competitiveness in the 21st Century by Hamsa Thota, Ph.D.; and The Arts and Education: Changing Track by Sir Ken Robinson. Member Price: $5.00 Nonmember Price: $7.00
