Harnessing the power of creativity is a tricky job, but the heroes in the ArtsConnect Program in Santa Clara County are bringing this power to underprivileged youth to help them find their own creative voice.
ArtsConnect has partnered teens attending alternative schooling with professional artists. Working in conjunction with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, they are given areas to explore the outer reaches of their creative capabilities, At the conclusion of their training, the results of their creative prowess is revealed at local museums.
And that power of creativity brings with it the lucrative power of prestige.
Art and cultural events help San Jose’s local economy thrive. The nonprofit arts sector brought in $122 million of activity and revenue increased 19% since the last study 5 years ago. Increases over the last 5 years include attendance going up 5%, attendee expenditure going up about $3 per event, leading to an increase in full time jobs going up from 500 to 2809! The creative power imbued in arts and cultural events brings in revenue through ticket prices, but also stimulates the economy as patrons eat at local restaurant and pay for parking and hotel accommodations. As the heroic Director of Cultural Affairs says, “Our culture scene creates a visible and tangible sense of place for San Jose, a global epicenter, where people connect through the arts.” By placing emphasis on arts and culture, San Jose sets an example for the nation on how to stimulate any economy.
And nearby, the our Superheroes in the Central Valley city of Modesto are following this example. Modesto’s own Gallo Center of the Arts means business — big business — for Modesto and Stanislaus County.
“We have a real economic impact on our community,” said Gallo’s executive director. “The multiplier effect means that for every dollar of ticket sales, we generate three-dollars of impact to the local economy. So, our $3 million in ticket sales have generated $9 million in (economic) impact here.” Superheroes Jennifer Mullen, executive director of the Modesto Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Joy Madison, President/CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, both say the Gallo Center’s positive effect on Modesto and the city’s business community, has been enormous.
“It’s such an amazing state-of-the-art facility,” said Mullen. “The Gallo Center has put Modesto on the map. It’s made the city the arts and culture hub of the Central Valley. It’s also helped make Modesto a great destination for conventions and special events.”
CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT
How to Complete Your Mission:
- LEARN – Educate yourself about your city’s arts and cultural events, and the important role they play in the community.
- ACT – What can you do? Attend any two cultural or artistic events in your city. Find out if any other Superheroes are attending the same events. You could carpool together (which would give you time to plan your upcoming community galvanizing activities), or if it’s not a free event, perhaps you could get a group rate. Show us which cultural events you attend with a photo and a recounting of your heroic deed.
- IMAGINE – Click here to unleash your creativity and see how you can bring greater diversity and richness in arts to the people of Modesto.
- Ask A Mentor for Help
- See how our Round 1 Superheroes fought for cultural empowerment!
I made a dead drop in my home town of Stockton Ca. I don’t know if anyone will use it but I think it’s a pretty neat idea and I would use one of someone else were to make one.
I was able to participate in viewing two gallery showings through another class. Both were very different events but I was able to experience and enjoy the work of several different artists, including some of the university professors. There were a variety of styles, sizes, and mediums used in both of the showings. I also had the pleasure of listening to the artists describe their backgrounds, the art they were showing, and their processes. It was very enlightening and gave me insight into how other artists work.
Along with many classmates, I was able to attend art galleries in Turlock that showcased different forms of art. The main impact galleries like these have on communities is inspiring future artists and giving advise to them in order to assure them of a successful future.