The Arts and the Economy

2/7/2013 (Updated 7:17:33 PM)

The arts can inspire, but how much can they help boost the economy?

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce met Thursday to discuss the economic impact of the arts.

Representatives from various local arts organizations including the Roberson and the Tri-Cities Opera said for the size of our community, we have a great wealth of arts, and we can use them to create more jobs and tourism. 

"We are extraordinarily lucky to have so many arts organizations here.  Finding a way for us to be working together, marketing ourselves as a resources is probably something we will be hitting on from here," said Chamber of Commerce member Terry McDonald.

Representatives say over a thousand people are currently employed by local arts organizations.