New council formed to boost economy through local arts community
The Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) has partnered with La Quinta Arts Foundation to ensure that the arts community continues to drive tourism and spur the local economy.
The two organizations formed the California Desert Arts Council (CDAC) this week.
According to the release, the CDAC will seek to promote, grow and professionalize the arts community, leverage cultural assets and influence arts and culture organizations, individual artists and educational institutions in order to foster artistic excellence. The CDAC will serve as the unified voice to identify, aggregate and communicate arts and culture activities, delivering a uniquely branded Greater Palm Springs message.
“As envisioned by La Quinta Arts Foundation (LQAF) founders, the Coachella Valley’s rich heritage and natural resources have been a magnet for creative pursuits, leading to the diverse offerings we have today,” said Christi Salamone, LQAF Executive Director. “LQAF is privileged to join with the CVB in greater service to the arts and culture community to secure and grow the vital creative economy.”
According to the 2013 Economic Impact Report on Tourism, commissioned by the CVB, the creative community contributes more than $1 billion annually to the local economy. On a national level, a 2009 market research study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that 78% of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural activities while traveling, translating to 118.3 million adults each year.
Officials said the CVB has been promoting the local cultural sector through artsOasis, an alliance that was formed in 2013, but forming the CDAC is the next big step to ensure the arts community continues to drive tourism and the local economy.
“The work of artsOasis and subsequent CVB-led focus groups identified many opportunities to better leverage existing and future cultural assets through enhanced collaboration, facilitation and advocacy,” said Scott White, President & CEO of the Greater Palm Springs CVB. “Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing tourism markets globally. We are fortunate to have such a wealth of cultural offerings as well as La Quinta Arts Foundation’s vast knowledge and reach in the arts.”
Officials said the La Quinta Arts Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has been in operation for 33 years.
