A noted expert in the field of arts funding and research visited Wichita on Friday and spoke about using the arts to attract and retain young professionals, businesses and create jobs. KMUW’s Abigail Wilson has more…
Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts in Washington, D.C. says arts should not be seen as a luxury or a frill, but as an industry that draws people to Wichita.
"You think about arts as food for the soul," Cohen says. "They inspire us and engage us. They improve the quality of the communities that we live in, but the fact is that they are businesses that generate and support jobs.”
According to Cohen’s research, non-profit arts organizations in Wichita are responsible for supporting 2006 jobs in the city.
“It’s putting food on the table for more than 2000 households right here in Wichita," Cohen says.
Cohen also says investing in the local arts helps build a healthier, more culturally vibrant community.