The National Governors Association (NGA) has released a new resource describing how the arts revitalize communities, improve quality of life and help states remain competitive in today's economy. The Role of the Arts in Economic Development, prepared by the NGA Center for Best Practices in consultation with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, is written for governors, economic development officials and other policy advisors. The resource will help state and local governments use the arts effectively by promoting new partnerships among state agencies, communities and the business sector and by using arts and culture as tools that unite communities, create economic opportunity and improve quality of life. For more information call NASAA at 202/347-6352, the NGA at 202/624-5300 or visit www.nasaa-arts.org.



l Public interest in the performing arts has increased. They now outdraw sporting events and movie houses.

l Civic leaders are beginning to take stock of artistic and cultural assets, recognizing that they are essential to quality of life, which is necessary for sustained growth.

l Pittsburgh, PA; Charleston, SC; and Newark, NJ have used the creation of arts districts to combat increasing crime and suburban flight by restoring vitality to downtown areas.

FBI TOUR FEATURES DE FUEGO

The Ohio Arts Council, in partnership with the Ohio Arts Presenters Network will present its statewide faith based institution performing arts tour November 28­December 11. This year's tour will feature Cuerdas de Fuego, three accomplished musicians from Central and South America who will perform at faith based institutions across the state. 

Schedule of performances: November 28, Cleveland, Trinity Cathedral, Noon; November 29, Akron, St. Bernards Catholic Church, 7 p.m.; November 30, Youngstown, St. Rose of Lima Church, 7 p.m.; December 2, Nelsonville, First United Methodist Church, 7 p.m.; December 4, Oxford, Oxford Presbyterian Church, Noon; December 5, Toledo, Little Flower Church, 7 p.m.; December 7, Tiffin, St. Mary¹s Catholic Church, 7:30 p.m. December 8, Columbus, Broad Street United Methodist Church, 8 p.m.; December 11, Ada, Our Lady of Lourdes, 7 p.m. 

The Ohio Arts Council's FBI performing arts tour project was established to expose new audiences to art forms from around the world through faith based institutions, which are at the heart of every community. For more information call Kathy Cain at 614/466-2613 or Judy Beaumier at 614/299-0221.

artsPerspective
Published by the Ohio Arts Council

This newsletter aims to keep Ohio's decision makers informed about the work of the state's arts agency. We'd like this to be a two-way street. If you have comments about the OAC's involvement in your district or area of expertise please send them to Katie Popoff at the address below. Thanks for reading.

Gregg Dodd, Public Information Director
Katie Popoff, Publications Editor
Jen Poellot, Coordinator

We're Building Ohio 
Through the Arts

The Ohio Arts Council, a state
agency established in 1965, builds
the state through the arts -
economically and culturally -
preserving the past, enhancing the
present and enriching the future for
all Ohioans. The Council believes
the arts should be shared by the
people of Ohio. The arts arise from
public, individual and organizational
efforts. The OAC supports those
efforts.

The Ohio Arts Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Visit Us on the Internet
www.oac.state.oh.us

Ohio Arts Council
727 E. Main Street
Columbus, OH 43205-1796
614/ 466-2613

For TTY/TDD use Ohio Relay Service
1-800-750-0750

Bob Taft
Governor

Susan R. Sofia
OAC Board Chair

Wayne P. Lawson
Executive Director

With support from the National
Endowment for the Arts.