"The importance of this report is to show how much of a positive impact bringing arts and culture into communities can contribute to the overall economic and social well-being."
"I think part of being also a state that’s so outdoor-centric, we are surrounded by beautiful nature. We as a culture are outside and experiencing things, and not holed up in our houses; and so it extends to love for other kinds of experiences like arts and humanities," Young-Otterstrom said.
He continued by stating,"The total number of Utahns who work in the creative industries is just shy of 112,000. . . A 2017 report from the SLC Office of Economic Development found that the No. 1 consideration for most businesses when choosing to expand in Salt Lake is the richness of their arts and culture scene." According to research completed at the University of Utah, "creativity was the most desirable trait in employees."
But it's not just about business, Otterstrom stated,"Arts and culture isn't just about the entertainment aspect, it's also about things like historic site and building restoration, and education in the arts — all of which were invested in by the state this year. . .It’s because we have this deep heritage as a state that includes love for humanities and arts as the core of what it means to be part of this human experience. . .There’s so many positive benefits that humanities and arts brings to Utah and brings to the country at large and the world at large.”
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PICTURE: Richard Bowditch, Moab Music Festival