Iowa Creative Economy Study Reveals Cultural Environment Key to Growth
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2003
DES MOINES, Iowa—Building a vibrant cultural environment
in Iowa is essential to the success of a bold new economic development agenda,
according to a recent study. The results of the Creative Economy Study, commissioned
by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, were announced during the Creative
Economy Unconference today at the State Historical Building.
Some other key findings:
- Workers in Iowa’s creative industries earn 60 percent more than other workers;
- Iowa’s creative occupations grew 3.5 times faster than all other Iowa occupations in the past decade;
- The growth of Iowa’s creative occupations significantly exceeds the national average; and
- Growth in science and technology in Iowa is correlated with growth of the arts.
"In order to transform Iowa’s economy and attract and keep educated workers in our state, we must create a vibrant cultural climate that is a magnet to innovative workers and fuel for their creative minds," said Anita Walker, Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
It’s no surprise that the study findings indicate that workers are searching for more than a job in determining where to live. As Iowa builds companies and new high-tech industries, it must also build communities to keep people here. Without a companion investment in the cultural climate of our communities, Iowans will continue to be frustrated as we watch home-grown, Iowa-endowed businesses hatch and develop here, only to leave at the first sign of profitability.
"The sum of a community is greater than the sum of its jobs," said David Swenson, professor of economics at Iowa State University and author of the study. "Cities are just enterprise zones. They are the sum of all that makes community, culture and place special."
The 81-page Creative Economy Study and a four-page summary can be viewed on the Web at www.culturalaffairs.org/reports_and_studies
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