CULTIVATING THE ARTS -16

CITIES BENEFIT FROM USING
THE ARTS AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL

Brierley said performance and visual arts events bring citizens together for a common cause and give downtown businesses the opportunity to market themselves to an audience that may not otherwise visit the area.

"Our Historic 25th Street and the upper east side of the City have increased greatly in value," she said, noting that numerous historic dwellings have been remodeled and upgraded thanks to the arts renaissance.

"25th Street used to be known as a very dangerous place where prostitutes, alcohol and drugs were the mainstay. Now retail shops, restaurants, businesses, a comedy club and an amphitheater fill the street."