Vancouver commuters cross the “the bridge” every day to go to Portland. They drive to Portland because the professional salaried jobs are there, not here. They spend a high portion of their salary in Portland because the culture and arts are there, not here.
People with disposable incomes and higher education want – demand – culture. It feeds their creativity and their networking. It generates a subculture that is vibrant. It attracts businesses looking to relocate and tourism dollars. Luring a highly educated, highly paid workforce means that Vancouver business leaders and city management have to modify what they are doing.
Vancouver doesn’t attract enough high paying jobs because Vancouver leaders don’t support the arts enough. Where do the Vancouver symphony, the ballet and theatrical companies perform? School auditoriums aren’t the answer. There is no vibrant night life; it doesn’t exist. People in Vancouver satisfy their creative spirit across the Columbia River because the creative arts have not been given the full opportunity to develop in Vancouver.
Supporting the arts is one of the most strategic moves the city of Vancouver and its businesses can make. Through your support of the arts, you are laying the foundation that will reap benefits now and in the future. Why? A vibrant economy feeds on the arts. The creative community is a foundation for attracting money, which is why you are in business. Your contributions to the arts increases your business.
Here are two ways you can contribute:
First, in your annual budget, include a line item for your business art collection. Then work with an art consultant to regularly purchase original works of art – not prints. With these purchases, you and your business directly support the artists, and indirectly foster the creative spark Vancouver needs. Art in business has been proven to have numerous beneficial effects, including employee stimulation, stress relief and marketing opportunities. Original works of art have been known to dramatically increase in value, and can be auctioned or donated to museums.
Second, convince Vancouver’s city council and city manager that a performing arts center is vital to Vancouver’s financial health. A performing arts center provides a home for our symphony orchestra, our ballet and theatrical groups. The city officials can donate land, offer tax benefits and choice buildings near Esther Short Park, and end roadblocks that have halted this project. A performing arts center attracts tourists who spend money, ancillary businesses that support the artists and local businesses, and most importantly, a performing arts center attracts highly skilled, highly paid professionals who want to live, work and spend their money near a cultural location.
Supporting the arts – through purchasing original works of art, and by motivating the city officials to the benefits of a performing arts center – develops Vancouver as a destination city. Through these efforts, the city attracts more businesses that pay high wages, a subculture that is vibrant and reduces the daily commute across the Columbia River.
Barbara Hart is an art consultant who specializes in assisting individuals and businesses with their art purchases. She lives in Vancouver and can be reached at info@art2hart.com.
