Talking Points
The arts and humanities are on Team Montgomery, working and collaborating to support Montgomery County and enhance our community’s quality of life. We’re agile, lean, efficient and proactive – you won’t find us idly standing in the outfield!
We score “home runs” by hitting four bases: economic development, social service, 21st century workforce and quality of life.
Base 1: Creativity Fuels the Economy
- The arts and humanities are an incredible economic engine. In FY10, the creative industries stimulated the County's economy with over $57 million in total expenditures (such as purchasing office supplies and employing local vendors).
- In FY10, 3,348 people were employed and over 9,500 people served as volunteers, creating a local workforce of nearly 13,000 that can never be outsourced!
- Our organizations aren't the only ones stimulating the economy. In 2005, over $65 million was spent by cultural patrons on everything from food and babysitting to transportation and lodging. Event-related spending means major business for our local economy!
Base 2: Creativity Fills in Social Service Gaps for the County’s Neediest Citizens
Arts and humanities programs address the needs of adults with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth who are risk for academic failure and gang violence. These programs also help juvenile offenders in detention and correction settings develop the cognitive, linguistic, social, and civic skills necessary to succeed in life.
Base 3: Creativity fosters the 21st Century Workforce
A 2010 IBM study revealed that today’s CEOs value creativity over integrity and global thinking. Arts-infused learning experiences not only enhance academic achievement, but also help children develop critical thinking skills, innovation, self-discipline and teamwork — all key ingredients for future workplace success.
Base 4: Creativity Enhances the County’s Quality of Life
Our County boasts nearly 500 arts and humanities organizations and 1,500 artists and scholars. Residents can also enjoy world-class performances, experience the story of our nation at extraordinary heritage sites and explore the world of arts and humanities through outstanding educational programs. No wonder CNN Money (2008) ranked Montgomery County among the most attractive places to live in the nation! The arts and humanities contribute significantly to the quality of life enjoyed here.
We’re ready to play ball. Wave us in and let’s score home runs together: approve the County Executive’s recommendation for flat funding for the arts and humanities!
801 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910
T: 301-565-3805 | F: 301-565-3809
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