The Ford Foundation plans on giving $100 million to developing art space nationwide within the next 10 years. Not only is the goal to help art groups build new spaces and renovate and expand old ones but to encourage the construction of affordable housing for artists to help spur economic development in surrounding areas. This has economic benefits because according to Mr. Landesman, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, "From the foot traffic of people coming to studios and rehearsals to the influx of people looking for a place to eat or drink after an art opening or before a show..these buildings attract new people and often expendable income to neighborhoods.” They see their giving as something that can contribute towards community development.
One thing to think about is that many schools are trying to cut down costs. Unfortunately, the arts (including music too) is the first to go. This is just another reason to reconsider cutting these first because they do offer benefits.
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