5.4. SR 03-08-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. New Research Shows that Minnesotans Value the Arts: The Minnesota Center for Survey Research at the University of Minnesota conducted a 1998 survey which found that 92% of Minnesotans believe that the arts are "very important" or somewhat important" to their quality of life. The same study found that 60% of Minnesotans are involved in the arts in their everyday lives. This exceeds the national average of 50%. A second set of study results, released in January 2004 from the same University of Minnesota group, shows that 92% of Republicans, 94% of Independents, and 96% of Democrats believe that arts and cultural activities help to make Minnesota an attractive place to live and work. . The Performing Arts Research Coalition, which was funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, conducted a scientific, mndom household survey of the greater Twin Cities public, not of just arts attendees. It shows extraordinary support for the arts among the general public. · 82% agree that the arts contribute to Minnesota's economy · 85% agree that the arts improve the quality of Minnesota life · 92% agree that the arts contribute to the education and development of children · 87% agree that the arts contribute to lifelong learning for adults · 69% agree that government support for the arts is important Some additional surprising findings: · 87% of arts attendees and 95% of frequent arts attendees vote always or most of the time. · There was little correlation between age and attendance, disproving the common perception that audiences are aging. · Almost 60% of low-income people are arts attendees or frequent arts attendees, disproving the belief that only wealthy people attend arts events. Note: These figures were made available to the ERAAA through the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. More detailed findings are available, and I would be happy to obtain those for anyone interested. Sharon Tracy .