Why Art?

by Nancy Murray, Board Member, Texas Cultural Trust and LMFA

Art benefits communities on many different levels. Art can be an economic driver, increase tourism, canimprove education and mental well-being. All great benefits that can promote value, advancement, and connection in communities like Longview. The Texas Cultural Trust published the following findings or ‘Artfacts’ in its 2021 State of the Arts Report.

In Texas, high school students enrolled in the arts are twice as likely to graduate and are at least 15% more likely to meet the commended status on standardized tests…

ART IS SIMPLY ESSENTIAL IN EDUCATION!

Art inspires our children and improves education. InTexas, high school students enrolled in the arts are twice as likely to graduate and are at least 15% more likely to meet the commended status on standardized tests than student with fewer arts courses. These students are 22% more likely to attend college.

In addition, 94% of Texas students with high level of arts engagement went to a 4-year college, versus 7% of those with low level of arts engagement. Furthermore, their SAT scores are higher! These students score 58 points higher on the verbal portion and 38 points higher on the math portion of the SAT. Needless to say, 95% of the parents believe arts should be taught in Texas schools.

ART IS GREAT FOR OUR LOCAL ECONOMY!

In our economy, art is a growing industry that can fuel our economy. At this point, 1 in every 15 jobs is considered a “creative career”. There are 900,000 Texans employed as: artists, musicians, graphic designers, interior designers, architects, photographers, videographers and computer designers, etc. This group of workers earns a 77% wage premium to the average worker in our state.

The creative sector has grown by 30% over the past decade and generated $6.1 billion in taxable sales providing $380 million in sales tax revenue to the state in 2019.

ART CREATES JOBS!

Regarding tourism, arts boost tourism! Did you know that 37% of non-resident overnight tourists engage in cultural activities while on vacation? That means, when they visit Longview almost 40% of the time tourists will stop in our museums or visit a historic site or listen to live music before they head home. Art tourists spend more money and stay longer than other tourists. There are 719,000 jobs generated from travel in Texas.

ART IS GOOD FOR OUR SOUL!

Finally, art strengthens our minds and improves wellbeing. Attending cultural events once every few months can reduce and risk of depression by 32%.

In summary, art is essential in education, is great for our economy, creates jobs and is good for our soul. Go Arts!