01 May, 2009

Art is the Emotion that Drives the Community

“Art is the emotion that drives the community”. Mark Haglund


This is why. Life is like art and art is like life, right? We have all heard that.


So, what is a community but a bunch of lives thrown together. Art is emotional. So if there is no art in people’s lives, the community is missing that emotion.


On a business level a community is made up of a bunch of businesses. We have hardware stores, convenience stores, plumbers, lawyers, doctors, gas stations, lumber stores, contractors, carpenters, handymen, restaurant, gift stores, fine dining, well you get the idea. All of these establishments or occupations are important in a community.


Each one of the business owners can be passionate about their business or profession, but let’s face it every community has it’s own business and fabulous business owners.

What defines your community? What sets it apart from other places? Why would anyone outside of your community want to drive to yours to spend their money?


Well let’s look at some examples. Broadway defines New York. Chicago is defined by it’s great Blues clubs and art galleries. LA is defined by Hollywood. Get the drift? These are all big art meccas. People can get emotional about going there. Some plan their vacations around going to these places. Ever heard of Branson, Missouri before? Not until they decided to brand their town as a venue for Country Music.


I will finish by saying this. A strong art community is a stronger financial community. The emotion that is stirred in the lives of people is the same emotion that spurs the growth in the community.


So support your local art community and all of it’s artists.


Mark Haglund

Fine Art Artist

Arts Alliance Member

2 comments:

Hitsofthe60s said...

Branson Missouri is NOT just country music anymore. #1 Hits of the 60's Show is the Pop Music of the 60's Decade. But, we are not the only non-country show, check out www.explorebranson.com for all the show information. A lot of the ticket selling web site show the most popular but they are the ones that pay to be called the most popular with that company.

Anita said...

Coachella, California is nothing without the annual Music and Arts Festival. Brought over 50,000 there this year. so you're right. it's good for business. the dates are good too!