6.2 EDSR 07-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Recognizing and strength- For example,Taos, New Mexico, has a number of des- KEYPOINT #2: ening existing assets are ignations intended to promote it as an arts and culture The recognition vital parts of community magnet.The State of New Mexico has designated Taos of a community's development and can an Arts and Cultural District.'The New Mexico Arts and arts and contribute to economic Cultural District Resource Team reviews the state of culture assets development. the creative economy and emphasizes building upon is an important current assets to develop economic well-being.At the element of Assets include those related federal level,Taos is designated as part of the Northern economic to entertainment (e.g.,the- Rio Grande National Heritage Area.Additionally,Taos is development. aters, performing groups), pursuing the New Mexico"Quality of Life"local option personal development tax (a tax incentive to improve energy and water con- (e.g.,community centers, servation, sustainable building,employment benefits bookstores),and education (e.g.,schools, museums),as such as job-training programs and employer-provided well as more directly to job creation and industry(e.g., child care,and other quality of life factors)to support translators,designers).Cultural and creative amenities the continued formal existence of the Arts and Cultural are assets as well as excellent tools for identifying and District.It is also considering the construction of an promoting other community assets. arts-incubator space,to complement its affordable housing project,ArtSpace.6 Taos's approach to eco- Creative-class theory suggests that a high-tech, highly nomic development is based on asset recognition and educated workforce prefers a location with creative directly connected to the arts and culture sector. amenities.'A flourishing arts and culture sector can affect where workers in the information economy, Another way to recognize assets and capitalize on especially younger ones,want to live and as such is them economically is to find ways to publicize and important for workforce recruitment and retention display the community's existing artistic talent and strategies.4To promote local culture and creativity, related amenities,such as ethnic foods,costumes,and communities can deem an area or part of town as an visual arts and crafts. For example, in New Orleans the arts,cultural,or creative district.A district is technically cultural heritage of Louisiana is celebrated through a designation to name and centralize creative assets the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.This festi- by locating and drawing attention to cultural assets val increases tourism through a showcase of music of throughout the community.There may be economic every kind—"jazz,gospel,Cajun,zydeco, blues, R&B, incentives to live or work in such a district. rock,funk,African, Latin,Caribbean,and folk to name a few"'