The Impact of the Arts On the Texas Economy

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus

August, 2009

During these difficult and uncertain economic times, we must do everything we can to attract businesses to Texas. Texas' artistic community and arts education programs are developing the creative industries in our state that will help equip an inspired workforce for the 21st century.

I have a strong belief in the value that the arts bring to all aspects of Texas life. In the 1980s we encountered an economic downturn similar to the one we are experiencing today. My mother, Joci Straus, worked to revitalize San Antonio's arts community and downtown architecture. Her inspiration and devotion was described by the San Antonio Business Journal as a "fundraising force" which quickly started the art and architecture renaissance in downtown San Antonio. I took from her example a belief that progressing art's presence in Texas life is largely beneficial for all citizens as well as our economic situation.

Recent research indicates a trend in economic development towards businesses placing a greater emphasis on creativity in the workforce. Jonathan Spector, CEO of the Conference Board, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that represents approximately 2,000 of the world's largest companies, announced last year the results of a survey of 400 of the top U.S. employers. In its survey Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative Readiness of the U.S. Workforce?, the Conference Board reported the following:

• CEOs reported that stimulating creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are among their top 10 concerns.

• CEOs stated that new hires today need creativity and innovation, as well as the applied skills that accompany innovation. Skills like critical-thinking, communications, and problem solving are as importance in the workplace as the "three Rs."

• School superintendents and employers rank arts study and experience in performing arts and entertainment as the top factors for instilling creativity into the workforce.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), the focal point for state funding for the arts and arts education, has made significant investments in the arts. This year the Texas Legislature appropriated over $14.8 million in funding for the Commission for the 2010-2011 biennium, a $4.2 million dollar increase from the previous biennium. This may seem like a small outlay in a state the size of Texas, but it reaps great dividends. It has never been more important that we preserve public funding for the arts.

Because companies and workers consider quality of life, including the arts, an important factor when deciding whether to relocate to or remain in a Texas community, the availability of cultural resources and opportunities is a tremendously important factor in attracting businesses to Texas. Artistry entertains, inspires and renews us. Innovation and imagination, as noted in the Conference Board survey, are the cornerstones of our economic prosperity. The cultural, social and economic benefits are too great to deny. That is why as a state we must invest in our future by teaching, funding and patronizing the arts as much as possible.