Friday, December 09, 2005
In both rural and urban areas, the lines separating art and economic development are blurring. In the past, EDPros saw art -- if at all -- as part of a community's quality of life. True enough. But this characterization, to my mind, still marginalizes the role art can play in transforming a community.
In a global economy running on brainpower, creativity and innovation, art becomes more than something you experience on a weekend. Here's a good article on how the arts are transforming smaller cities. Read more.
Here's a simple idea that has worked wonders in Padukah, KY: an initiative to paint murals in the downtown.
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
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:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
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.
The transforming power of the arts
