Book Description

This book represents a collection of 7 works by authors arguing for the support of public spending on the arts: (1) "Introduction: The Value of Economic Reasoning and the Arts" (Harry Hillman-Chartrand), examines the changing social perception of the arts over time, and describes the interaction among the sectors of the arts; (2) "Arts Impact Studies: A Fashionable Excess" (Bruce A. Seaman), questions the theory underlying studies that measure primary spending associated with art activities for the arts are seen as having an important role in local economic development by improving the social infrastructure of communities and by enhancing the quality of human capitol within a region, a role which is not quantitatively measurable; (3) "Economic Impact Studies of the Arts as Effective Advocacy" (Anthony J. Radich and Sonja K. Foss), explores the ways in which five illustrative economic impact studies were tools of effective advocacy for the arts by achieving communication between arts advocates and representatives of business and government; (4) "Improving the Design and Policy Relevance of Art Impact Studies: A Review of the Literature" (David Cwi), reviews impact studies in 16 states, discussing the terms of reference and content of those studies faulting the typical study as doing less to assist its sponsors in arts policymaking than such studies could; (5) "The Role of the Arts in State and Local Economic Development" (R. Leo Penne and James L. Shanahan), indicates that, in the postindustrial society, the arts are amenities that attract and retain talented people, foster the spirit of innovation and adventure, convey a positive city image, and thus are real contributors to local economic development; (6) "Evaluating Cultural Policy through Benefit/Cost Analysis" (William S. Hendon), advocates and describes procedures for explicit and quantified cost benefit analysis; and (7) "Economic Structure and Impact of the Arts: Comparison with the Nonarts" (James H. Gapinski), completes the selection of articles with the common message that the arts have a pervasive, positive effect on local economies. A glossary, a bibliography, and a section about the authors follow. The book is indexed by subject, name, and studies cited. (MM)