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Creativity key to economic vitality

It is commonly argued in hard times that the arts are a frill. When school budgets must be slashed, it is programs in music, theater and art that often are the first to go.

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is promoting the idea that the arts, far from being a luxury enjoyed by a few wealthy towns, are essential to our economic and cultural life, not just for our schools, but for the broad community.

That is the premise of an extraordinary program to promote what has been called the "creative economy." There have already been success stories, notably in Bellows Falls and Vergennes, where the development of the creative economy has led to the revitalization of whole communities. In Vergennes, restoration of the Vergennes Opera House has been a keystone of the revival of the entire city center. A variety of arts events in Bellows Falls led to restoration of major buildings in the village, providing affordable housing and new business space.

Full Story: http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050605/NEWS/506050328/1014

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