Ms. Laura Bruney

Arts Biz Survey: The Arts Deliver a Competitive Edge to Business in Miami

Posted by Ms. Laura Bruney, Sep 08, 2016 0 comments


Ms. Laura Bruney

Asked and answered—and the answers are really good! The major players in local economic development and arts and culture in Miami-Dade surveyed executives and entrepreneurs asking what they think about our local arts community. The Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arts & Business Council of Miami, and the Beacon Council conducted the Arts and Business survey to assess the private sector’s attitudes about and support for the arts in greater Miami-Dade.

The survey, which received more than 500 responses, examined the quantitative and qualitative factors that motivate private sector support for our creative community. Business leaders and change makers are extremely positive about the importance of the arts in creating a vibrant and livable city, pointing to success stories such as the revitalization of Wynwood, the development of new arts districts across neighborhoods, the opening of Museum Park, and the proliferation of creative hubs throughout the County.

“Today’s business leaders are looking for an exceptional quality of life and high-quality educational offerings when choosing to locate, re-locate or expand,” said Michael Spring, senior advisor to the Office of the Mayor and director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. “Our cultural community distinguishes us, helps to attract young professionals and business leaders to Miami, and provides a vibrant and fulfilling home town for them and their families. Companies, both large and small, understand that a key to developing a progressive, 21st century economy is to invest boldly in our diverse and dynamic cultural life. Our community is thriving proof that the arts deliver a competitive edge in successful business development.”

The Arts & Business Council of Miami is empowering the creative ecosystem. The survey demonstrates that the corporate community recognizes that a strong cultural community is good for business. Cultivating creativity is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of survey respondents agreed that employee engagement with the arts and corporate arts participation promote a culture of creativity and enhance innovation, and said the arts provide a valuable tool for creative collaborations. More than two thirds of the survey participants said their company will increase or maintain arts funding and collaborations in the upcoming year.

As Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, The Beacon Council facilitates local, national and international business growth and expansion programs, helping companies of all sizes in diverse industries achieve their goals. In the survey, business leaders confirmed that the arts mean business. A large percentage of survey respondents said a vibrant arts community is an important asset to help recruit and retain employees.

The survey also revealed key attitudinal trends that suggest areas of opportunity for further arts support. While businesses believe that supporting the arts is a strategic imperative, there is a keen interest in increased outreach and innovative programs that can stimulate greater connectivity and visibility for our local arts community and the private sector.

Key results of the survey include:

The Arts are Impactful

  • 80% of respondents state that the arts contribute to the quality of life in Miami-Dade.
  • 81% of respondents state that the arts are an important economic engine.

The Arts Mean Business

  • 75% of the companies surveyed support the arts.
  • 77% maintain that arts support provides unique opportunities for business development and networking.
  • 70% maintain that arts support provides a valuable tool for community relations and builds the kind of community we want to live in.

Arts Provide Employee Engagement

  • 87% of respondents state that their corporate arts involvement helps them recruit and retain executives and employees.
  • 68% of respondents state that participating in the arts stimulates creative thinking in their business professionals.
  • 52% maintain that arts programs offer professional development and leadership skills building.
  • 48% maintain that arts partners offer unique and innovative employee benefits.

See the full Arts & Business survey results at www.ArtsBizMiami.org.

This piece was originally published on the Arts & Business Council of Miami blog.

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