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Arts and Economic Prosperity study discussed in Danbury

An Arts and Economic Prosperity study conducted by Americans for the Arts was discussed during a forum held in Danbury recently.  The report showed that the arts industry generates 235-million dollars annually in economic development for Fairfield County. 

 

In Fairfield County, the arts industry supports 6,789 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $142.3 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $20.6 million in local and state government revenue. 

 

The discussion was sponsored by the Cultural Commission of Western Connecticut. 

 

WCSU School of Visual and Performing Arts dean Brian Vernon said that many aspects of art are valuable beyond financial rewards.  He noted that music can transform people and that value can't be measured.  Vernon said that education and experience in the arts don’t always lead to jobs in the arts, citing the example of his sister who danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and later became a physical therapist. 

 

Danbury Music Centre director Mary Larew noted that every week hundreds of people travel to downtown Danbury for rehearsals and performances, calling the organization one of the catalysts of the local economy.

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Brian Kilmeade

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