Statewide events will highlight economic impact of small businesses in arts and culture sector
PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, will announce the launch of a Statewide Arts and Culture Tour to support small businesses in the arts and culture sector at a press conference, Monday, February 15th, at 10:15 a.m. at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. The month-long Statewide Arts and Culture Tour will highlight arts and culture businesses that create direct economic growth, jobs and new entrepreneurial ventures.
“From small jewelry manufacturers, to on-stage performers, to high end graphic designers, the small businesses of the arts and culture sector are a key component of Rhode Island’s economy. Businesses that make up the creative community grow our economy, create jobs, and help make Rhode Island a unique state to live or visit. As we work to support our locally-grown small businesses throughout the state, we cannot leave the arts and cultural economy behind,” Roberts said.
Lt. Gov. Roberts will announce the Statewide Arts and Culture Tour at an advocacy training session organized by Rhode Island Citizens for the Arts. Members of the arts community, local artists and arts businesses will be attending to receive training in advocacy efforts to restore funding for businesses in the arts and culture sector that have been slashed in the governor’s proposed 2011 budget.
The list of Statewide Arts and Culture Tour events is available on the Lt. Governor’s Buy Local RI website at http://www.ltgov.ri.gov/buylocalri/