The Art$ Mean Bu$iness – Arts and Economic Prosperity is the Theme of October Event

Delaware artists, arts administrators, community leaders, educators, elected officials, and citizens speaking up for the arts will convene for a special presentation, The Art$ Mean Bu$iness, on October 2nd at 3 p.m. at Dover’s Schwartz Center for the Arts. First Lady Carla Markell will make opening remarks. The event is organized by the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Delaware Arts Alliance.

Results from the recent Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study showed Delaware’s nonprofit arts industry generates $142.3 million in annual economic activity in the state. “People may be surprised by the significance of the economic impact in this study. What it indicates is that a healthy arts sector is an important contributor to Delaware’s overall economy,” said Paul Weagraff, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “The Art$ Mean Bu$iness event is intended to highlight findings of the report and present ways in which this information can be used to shape policy and discourse about the role that the arts play in Delaware’s economy.”

Special guest Nina Ozlu Tunceli from Americans for the Arts will answer questions from moderators Rhonda Graham, News Journal Editorial Board Member, and Liane Hansen, Advisor, Delaware First Media, about the study and discuss how the results can be used by Delawareans to promote support for the arts on the local, state, and national level.

“Nina Ozlu Tunceli is a powerful and passionate advocate for the arts on the national scene. We are thrilled to have her come to the First State to discuss economic impact and advocacy,” said Guillermina Gonzalez, Director of the Delaware Arts Alliance.

The event is free and the public is invited to attend. Interested citizens can sign up via the Division’s website, www.artsdel.org, and follow the conversation on Twitter using #DEartsbiz.