Quality of Life Indicators

participation in the arts & cultural activities data

number attending civic arts & cultural festivals -- updated 3/10
attendance at cultural events
people creating art
youth arts literacy & engagement

number attending civic arts & cultural festivals -- updated 3/10

Artown is an excellent benchmark as the central art festival in northern Nevada.  Artown, noted by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of the most comprehensive festivals in the country, brings the arts to Reno each July for 31 days.  During July 2008, 350,000 local residents and visitors of all ages experienced the best and the latest in visual and performing arts, with more than 400 events (many free), from over 100 presenters.  Highlights from 2008 included:  Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, Mandy Patinkin with Paul Ford on Piano, Andrew Bird, Sara Juli’s Money Conversation, Ringo Starr, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Nigerian Spam Scam Scam and much more.  Attendance dropped in 2009, along with the economic impact ($4.89 less per attendee), as expected with the economic downturn.  Highlights from 2009 included: Richie Havens, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, The Funk Brothers, Chris Botti and Ottmar Liebert.

Artown also demonstrates the economic impact of the arts to the community, contributing over $16,000,000 locally in 2007.  As the economy in northern Nevada continues to struggle, Artown and all the arts and cultural activities need to be remembered as much for their economic stimulus, as for expanding our quality of life.

Residents and visitors can also enjoy arts and cultural festivals year-round including the Nevada Chamber Music Festival, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the Reno Tahoe Blues Fest, Lake Tahoe Music Festival, Squaw Valley Soaring Kites and Blues Festival, RIFNM 06 The 1st Reno Interdisciplinary Festival of New Media, Reno Film Festival, among others.  For more information on arts and cultural events, visit the Sierra Arts calendar.

attendance at cultural events

Attendance at arts and cultural events is an indicator of the richness of our lives and the vibrancy of our economy. The arts are a multimillion-dollar industry in Northern Nevada, and cultural tourism contributes greatly to the region’s bottom line. Attendance at cultural events has been increasing over the years. The growing number of cultural events gives community members more opportunities to enjoy arts and culture in our region, while enhancing the economic base.

A listing of arts organizations, galleries and performance venues shows the amazing possibilities for experiencing art in Northern Nevada.  The growing number of cultural events gives community members more opportunities to enjoy arts and culture in our region, while enhancing the economic base.

The following survey question has been asked of Washoe County residents since 1995:

Did you attend any cultural events in the last year?

people creating art

Richard Florida writes in The Creative Compact that ’our future economic prosperity turns on making the most of each and every human being’s talents and energies . . . .  At its core, the Creative Compact would ensure the right of each and every American to fully develop and utilize their creativity and fully express their values and identity.’ The freedom and support to create art is central to that compact:  http://www.creativeclass.org/rfcgdb/articles/creative_compact.pdf

youth arts literacy & engagement

Youth arts literacy and arts engagement opportunities specifically designed for youth

Arts education
Although the arts are considered a core area in the “No Child Left Behind” legislation, students are not tested on arts knowledge, and therefore arts education does not receive the same priority as other areas of the curriculum.  Arts education is no longer tracked as part of the annual Washoe County School Accountability report. 

An impressive 89% of Americans believe that arts education is important enough to be taught in schools, but the sad truth is, your kids spend more time at their lockers than in arts classes. Read the facts on how arts education helps kids do better.  Nevada Alliance for Arts Education:  http://www.americansforthearts.org/public_awareness/

Performance opportunities targeted at youth
Every arts organization in Northern Nevada offers special programs for students and young people.  Educational programs abound, and nonprofits are mindful of the importance of reach new audiences.  There is no central data source for art targeted for young people.
E. L. Cord Museum School, Nevada Museum of Art, Winter-Spring ‘08 art classes