Introduction
Why an Arts and Culture Plan?
A vibrant arts scene is crucial to every
city: enhancing quality of life and ensuring
a strong stimulus to the economy.
Studies show that people and companies
want to locate in cities where arts and
culture is grounded in a dynamic
downtown. Access to arts and culture
makes citizens more attached to their
communities in both feeling and action.
Arts and culture provide jobs and draw
visitors and tourists. The creative
economy added $804 billion (4.3%) to
the national GDP in 2018, greater than the
agriculture, construction and
transportation and warehousing.
According to Americans for the Arts,
government funding for the arts at the
local level is viewed favorably and seen as
high public value by 60% of all Americans.
“We in Nashua recognize what is
understood in cities across the world -
arts and culture enhance quality of life.
People want to live and raise their
children in a community that offers a
vibrant arts and culture scene.’
-Mayor Jim Donchess
Benefits to the
Community
e The creative economy is
a community asset that
strengthens the local
economy and draws
visitors to Nashua
Arts & Culture provides a
common language that
brings diverse
populations together
A vibrant arts community
requires collaboration
between artists, arts
organizations, municipal
government, and
business organizations
with a strong citizen
volunteer base
As a Welcoming City,
inclusion and access to
arts & culture should be
available to all
