Montana Film Office and Bozeman-Based ARTSMARKET, INC to receive Research Award at economic development conference

State Organization and Bozeman Research Firm ArtsMarket, Inc, Nationally Recognized for Film Industry Development Initiative

Acknowledging the Montana Film Office, Montana Department of Commerce and ArtsMarket Inc., a Bozeman-based national cultural research and development firm, for The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act: A Film Industry Incentive project, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has recognized ArtsMarket with an award for economic research at IEDC’s Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Chicago, Illinois, September 25-28. The organizations were recognized for this achievement during an awards ceremony on September 27th.

"Economic development pursuits have always played an invaluable role in strengthening the nation’s economy one locality at a time, and as our country faces challenges ranging from an elevated national debt to a declining yet still significant unemployment rate, these efforts take on an even greater importance," said Steven J. Budd, IEDC chairman. "The awards highlight pace-setting organizations in economic development, such as the Montana Film Office and ArtsMarket Inc."

Competing in the Cluster-Based Strategies category involving communities with populations exceeding 200,000, the Film Office and ArtsMarket Inc were clear standouts, winning the honorable mention – one of only two cluster-based research awards in the international competition – with The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act: A Film Industry Incentive. The Montana Department of Commerce commissioned ArtsMarket Inc., to produce an economic assessment of the film industry and a design for an effective tax incentive. The firm’s research and recommendations led to the crafting of House Bill 584, The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act, which was signed into law May 17, 2005. The legislation’s purpose is to spur an increase in film production in Montana, leading to millions more in direct expenditures in the economy; more jobs for Montana workers, by encouraging and rewarding the employment of skilled Montana film crews and university graduates; and an increase in tourism.

The study was directed by Louise Stevens, ArtsMarket president and founder, and authored by research director Sean Becker. The team have previously conducted other major studies on Montana and its culture, including Montanans and the Arts: What Matters and What Motivates; and The Role of Nonprofit Arts Organizations in Montana’s Economy, both for the Montana Arts Council. This IEDC award is the second given to ArtsMarket for its economic research. Its prior IEDC award was for its research and recommendations for cultural development for the revitalization of downtown Yakima, WA.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners around the globe. IEDC’s professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

For information on IEDC, Contact: Jill Frick, Communications Director

(202)942-9453 [email protected]

For information on ArtsMarket, contact Louise Stevens, President:

(406)582-7466 [email protected]