April 12, 2018 - At the 31st Annual State of Downtown Boise Tuesday, April 10, the Downtown Boise Association released findings of two studies that uniquely show the value a vibrant arts and culture community brings to downtown business.
In February, a survey went out to downtown business and property owners. The survey was sponsored by the Downtown Boise Association and the Boise City Department of Arts & History. The survey was conducted by Drs. Amanda Ashley and Jeffrey Lyons of Boise State University.
Among the findings:
- A super-majority of respondents said art, festivals, markets and entertainment are indeed important to the downtown economy and a primary reason many businesses located in Downtown Boise.
- A majority said they'd like to see more arts & cultural events & businesses downtown.
- In today's highly competitive talent market, a majority of businesses said a vibrant arts & culture community helps:
- Attract and retain employees
- Increases acceptance of diversity in the workplace
- Stimulates creative thinking and problem solving
The survey's findings add context to a study commissioned recently by the Boise City Arts & History Department on the city's Creative Vitality Index. The Index measures creative jobs, creative industry earnings and nonprofit revenues.
Results of both studies were released in the 2017-18 State of Downtown Boise report. You can find the report linked at
https://downtownboise.org/about/state-of-downtown-annual-meeting
The Downtown Boise Association also announced the addition of four new first-term members to its Board of Directors. This included Chris Gray of Mixed Greens; Sophie Sestero of Falgren Mortine; Rocci Johnson of Hannah's Nightclub; and Moya Dolsby of the Idaho Wine Commission.
State of Downtown Boise:
When: Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Time: 3:00 - approx.5:00pm
Where: Boise Centre East
Contact: Lynn Hightower, Executive Director, Downtown Boise Association
[email protected]
