Programs to purchase local art and find space are always nice, but they do little to sustain or inspire creative individuals. Residency programs, funding for alternative spaces, arts publications and Web sites, funding to bring artists here and send our artists around the country - these are more progressive ways to invest public money. These things get artists together and create lasting alliances. Such investments may not produce tangible objects. But the public benefits more from a vibrant art scene, which pulls people in from all over the nation.
Artists are resourceful and creative people.
They will always find a way to cope with things like gentrification. The arts institutions in the city help them best by supporting projects that help them communicate, help them exhibit work and gain exposure globally. To raise the level of awareness about change in the arts. Even since the task force started, things have changed drastically. If people don't come downtown, they don't see what we are losing.