Public SUPPORT for the arts STRENGTHENS cities and states.
"The arts and creativity are increasingly recognized as necessary infrastructure for healthy, prosperous and equitable communities, regardless of community size or geography. The evidence backing the value of the arts continues to grow as more states and cities invest in arts based policies as a means to improve community health and well-being."
Read entire article including creative success stories: https://www.nlc.org/.../activating-civic-infrastructure.../
Original source can be found here.