Tuesday, October 12, 2004
The arts groups in Johnson County -- located in suburban Kansas City -- are promoting a strong linkage between arts and economic development. For this suburban community, the proposed plan places arts investments on the same plane as investments in infrastructure. Read more.
While that may be a stretch for traditional EDPros, it is not too much to say that from an economic development viewpoint, the arts are critical to branding communities. Branding is more than simply a logo. Branding focuses on the experience consumers have with a product, service or place.
EDPros focused on downtown development understand that the arts are critically important to creating a unique experience for a community. This unique branding can have important economic development spill-overs. (Before Austin's technology strategy took off, the city had developed a reputation for a vibrant music scene.)
As this article from Salt Lake City explores, the arts often provide the leading edge to strategies for revitalizing a downtown. Read more.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Arts and economic development
