Author: Urban Innovations Group

Publication Year: 1978

Media Type: Book

Summary:

This study reports that 49,150 people were employed in arts-related jobs in 1970 in the Los Angeles area. Although there is not an estimate of overall economic impact, there is an extensive discussion of the use of multipliers [see Appendix C], especially in terms of its applications to the Los Angeles County Music Center.

Abstract:

This study reports that 49,150 people were employed in arts-related jobs in 1970 in the Los Angeles area. Although there is not an estimate of overall economic impact, there is an extensive discussion of the use of multipliers [see Appendix C], especially in terms of its applications to the Los Angeles County Music Center. The purpose of this study [prepared by Urban Innovations Group, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of California, Los Angeles, California, Harvey S. Perloff, director] is to consider the ways in which the economic contribution of the arts to the larger central cities - most of which are facing economic difficulties - might be enhanced. Concentration on such central cities is particularly appropriate since they now contain the largest proportion of the urban poor and minority families, individuals who have the greatest difficulties in getting jobs. The economic contribution of the arts to the less advantaged, as to society at large, is therefore of special significance.

The study approaches the subject through three avenues: (1) the development of a model or framework to inventory and analyze arts activities and institutions and to evolve strategies to enhance the contribution of the arts to local economies (Part I); (2) an overview of the arts activities and institutions in one city, Los Angeles, to lay an in-depth foundation for the discussion of strategies and tactics of change, (Part II); and (3) the probing of strategies to improve the organization and financing of the arts system to strengthen its economic contribution (Part III). The study has been a group effort, involving faculty, students and recent graduates from UCLA, particularly the School of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Management in the Arts Program of the Graduate School of Management. (p. iii).

CONTENTS
Preface.
Foreword.

Part I. Framework.

   1.1. Introduction: A framework to inventory and analyze the arts and
         develop a strategy for improvements. 
         Dual objectives. 
         The arts system. 
         Enter the dismal science. 
         Supply. 
         Demand. 
         Community arts. 
         Disorganization and organization. 
         Using the suggested model of the arts. 
         A focus on Los Angeles. 
         Footnotes.

Part 2. The arts in one city (Los Angeles).

         Highlights.       
         The Los Angeles Art Scene: the strong points. 
         The performing arts. 
         The visual arts. 
         The crafts. 
         The literary arts. 
         Architecture.
         The Los Angeles Art Scene: the weak points. 
         The performing arts. 
         The visual arts. 
         Architecture.

  2.2. Employment in the arts in Los Angeles.
         Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. 
         Employment problems.
         Arts employment in various industries.
         Volunteers in the arts. 
         Conclusions.
         Results of a survey of members.
         Footnotes.

  2.3. The arts institutions: The non-profit sector. 
         The performing arts in Los Angeles: an overview. 
         Music. 
         Theatre. 
         Some sample employment figures. 
         A special note on the free public theatre foundation. 
         Dance. 
         Community (neighborhood) arts. 
         Footnotes.

  2.4. The arts institutions: The mixed and for-profit sectors.
         Visual arts and crafts.
         Galleries.
         Alternative spaces.
         Artists studios.
         Art training.
         Crafts.
         The for-profit sector: motion pictures. 
         Educational opportunities.
         Minority employment in motion pictures, radio and television.
         The recording industry. 
         Footnotes.

  2.5. The role of festivals and special events.
         Mobility.
         Intensity.
         Community/anti-elitist orientation.
         Scope/size.
         All city outdoor art festival.
         Los Angeles dance festival.
         The garden Theatre festival.

  2.6. Government support for the arts.
         Los Angeles city government.
         Municipal arts department. 
         Department of recreation and parks.
         Board of public works.
         Los Angeles county government.
         County museum of art.
         State government.
         CETA programs in California.
         Public funds received by community organizations. 
         Plaza de la raza.
         R'Wanda Lewis Afro-American dance company.
         Self help graphics. 
         Analysis.
         Footnotes.

Part 3. Strategies for change.

         Highlights.
         Economic role of the arts.
         Framework.
         Marketing.
         Financing.
         Federal government support.
         Unions.
         Beautifying, restoring and revitalizing the city.
         Community arts.
         Department of cultural affairs.
         Arts in economic development efforts.
         Cultural planning.

  3.7. Increasing paying audiences. 
        Marketing factors to encourage expansion of the arts. 
        Information dissemination. 
        Stimulating desire by education. 
        Innovations in education for adults. 
        The purchase process and price. 
        Convenience of product. 
        Conclusion. 
        Footnotes.

  3.8. Organizing the finances of the arts: an overview. 
         The multi-market structure of the arts.
         Interrelated sectors.
         A new view of the demand curve.
         Public service budgets.
         Fees-for-public service.
         Community support. 
         An illustrative budget.
         Policy implications.
         Footnotes.

  3.9. Federal government programs in the arts, and their possible
        expansion. 
        Department of Commerce -Economic Development Administration.
        Department of Housing and Urban Development - Housing and
        Community Development. 
        Department of Health, Education and Welfare - U.S. Office of
        Education. 
        National Endowment for the Arts. 
        Strengthening the Federal Contribution to the Arts. 
        Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). 
        National Direction for the Arts.

3.10. Enhancement of arts employment through the cooperation of trade
        unions and employers. 
        A new approach to collective bargaining in nonprofit organizations.
        Expansion of the ninety-nine seat waiver plan. 
        Proposal for a performing arts trust fund and its effect upon 
        unemployment. 
        A cooperative effort of unions, employees and employers to
        establish a United Arts Fund. 
        Footnotes.

3.11. Using the arts to beautify, restore and revitalize the city: the
        enhancement of employment and income in architecture and
        building. 
        Place making. 
        Restoration and adaptive use. 
        Private support. 
        Public support. 
        Art in public places. 
        One Percent funding. 
        Final note.

3.12. City revitalization through the redevelopment and restoration
        process: the special role of the arts. 
        Revitalization through redevelopment. 
        Economic benefit of cultural facilities. 
        Economic benefits of mixed-use facilities. 
        Utilization of public spaces. 
        Revitalization through historic restoration. 
        Using special opportunities to revitalize the city: the people mover.
        Conclusion. 
        Footnotes.

3.13. Locational planning for the arts. 
        The establishment of Artists' Colonies. 
        Some general principles. 
        The situation in Los Angeles. 
        A zoning proposal. 
        Footnotes.

3.14. Strengthening neighborhood arts. 
        Neighborhood arts program. 
        Educational programs. 
        Neighborhood cultural centers. 
        Footnotes.

3.15. Organizing to strengthen the economic role of the arts. 
        Creating a department of cultural affairs. 
        Policy objectives and responsibilities. 
        Assessment of cultural activity. 
        Coordination of support services. 
        City and county participation. 
        Historical districts and redevelopment. 
        Development of a community arts division. 
        Cooperation with For-Profit arts firms. 
        Cultural affairs foundation. 
        Unanswered questions. 
        Including the arts in economic development efforts. 
        Establishing a cultural element in the General Plan for the city,
        county and region. 
        Footnote.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Economic Impact