Sure they're good for your soul, but can the arts stimulate economic activity? And if so, what's the best way to kickstart the "creative economy"?
On Monday, those and other questions will be on the agenda as part of an unusual "arts charrette" organized by state political leaders. Among those expected to attend the event at Fidelity Investments' Smithfield campus: Gov. Chafee and House Speaker Fox, along with representatives from the State Council on the Arts, the Rhode Island Foundation and the Rhode Island School of Design.
The goal: to "further the growth of the arts sector to enhance economic development in Rhode Island," according to a press release. Meanwhile, in an interesting twist, the group's deliberations will be recorded by local artists.