Creative Economy
The arts and humanities are a powerful and positive force in the life of the nation’s economy. The interplay between commercial creative enterprises and non-profit institutions in our nation’s cities, town and communities form a dynamic economic base. The creative economy drives tourism and commerce, and supports thousands of American workers – from graphic and software designers to scholars, architects, artists, performers and curators. The President’s Committee focuses its leadership, with other agencies and the private sector, on the power of the arts and humanities as an economic driver, sustaining critical cultural resources and fostering civic investment in cultural assets and infrastructure. These efforts help speed innovation and expand markets and consumers, directly benefiting local economies.
Cultural Tourism
Communities throughout the U.S. have developed successful programs linking the arts, humanities, history and tourism. Travel industry research confirms that cultural and heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry. The growth and investment in cultural heritage tourism has expanded markets, audiences and consumers, as well as provided a means for sustaining cultural and heritage resources with vital revenue and awareness. The President’s Committee and its cultural partners—the NEA, NEH and IMLS—have been catalyst in the growth of cultural and heritage tourism, which over time has evolved into a broader policy and development approach known as the creative economy.
Save America's Treasures
America's legacy, and ours as citizens, is made up of a fabric of buildings, places, documents, records, artifacts and artistic works. Each Save America's Treasures project makes a lasting difference to their communities and to the nation by preserving these structures, places and cultural artifacts that are the genius and language of America's democracy.