ENCOURAGING BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE ARTS

WHEREAS, businesses play a key role in ensuring the health and vitality of the nation’s arts sector with nearly $3 billion in arts funding from small, midsize and large companies, (2010 Americans for the Arts’ Business Committee for the Arts Triennial Survey); and

WHEREAS, U.S. employers rate creativity/innovation among the top five job skills that will increase in importance over the next five years (Ready to Innovate); and

WHEREAS, 72% of businesses who contribute to the arts believe that supporting the arts can stimulate creative thinking, problem solving and team building (BCA Triennial Survey); and

WHEREAS, businesses, both those that now give to the arts and those that don’t, agree that arts can benefit them in several ways. 79% say the arts can increase name recognition and 74% say that the arts offer networking opportunities and the potential to develop new business. Half agree that arts support has the potential to increase their bottom line; and

WHEREAS, when businesses partner with local arts organizations, they partner with the whole city because the arts are essential to the health and vitality of neighborhoods, cities, states and our nation.  They enhance community development, create jobs, spur urban renewal, attract new businesses, draw tourism dollars, and create an environment that attracts skilled and educated workers; and

WHEREAS, the Business Committee for the Arts Executive Board comprised of corporate CEOs affirms the role of the arts in advancing communities and business goals; and

WHEREAS, the partnership Movement, a new public service advertising and resource campaign from Americans for the Arts is designed to provide businesses and arts organizations with the resources they need to make meaningful collaborations—partnerships that not only support a healthy, creative, and artistic community, but that also give businesses a competitive advantage.

WHEREAS, The partnership Movement demonstrates how arts partnerships help businesses enhance the critical thinking and creative skills of their workforce. It also prepares arts organizations to partner with businesses in new and innovative ways to advance business goals and enhance communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The United States Conference of Mayors urges local businesses and arts organizations to collaborate more together and get involved with the partnership Movement.