Partnering with arts reaps economic rewards for Ann Arbor area
The arts play a crucial role in Ann Arbor’s economy and creating its favorable reputation. So much so that it would scary to think of the college town without its major events, like the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
The arts community needs basic local economies just like local economies need the arts. That’s becoming more and more obvious in Ann Arbor.
Excerpt:
Forty-nine years ago, a group of merchants and artists thought putting on an outdoor art show might boost July business. Imagine how surprised these organizers would be if they saw how their creation has grown. Art fair has begotten art fair (there are now four main fairs plus a host of copycat events).
Hotels rooms are packed, shops empty their shelves into sidewalk sales and lots of money will change hands.
Art fairs are a big part of what Ann Arbor is known for, according to a recent study commissioned by the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. It queried past and potential visitors to Ann Arbor to learn more about their leisure-time preferences and motivational triggers. The findings report that “Art Fairs” rank second on the list of best-known attractions in the city, second only to “University of Michigan.” (“Top-notch performing arts” rank eighth.)
Read the rest of the story here.
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