A lively arts scene attracts a quality workforce

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28: In his book, Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell states that “we do not have enough resources to meet everyone’s desires. The very definition of economics challenges any utopian scheme”. Citing the British economist Lionel Robbins, Sowell asserts that: “Economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses.

“Using resources to do one thing requires us to take resources away from somewhere else. And ‘resources’ does not always refer to money or raw materials either.

Time, manpower, talent and knowledge are all resources too that individuals, businesses, governments and families have to figure out how to use in the most effective way.”

So, where does art fit into Sowell’s economic analysis? How is art as a resource used?

A few weeks ago, fellow artist, Ami Zanders, organized the second annual Art Walk in the East, in which various artists of various genres participated and displayed their art work throughout the Town of St George. This event demonstrated how the Arts can stimulate the economy and revitalize a community. Hundreds of people came out to the Art Walk in St George. The opportunity for commerce was set amidst an energetic buzz created, as people visited stores displaying art, shopped, had dinner, hired babysitters, communicated and networked. 

This summer, in collaboration with the BEDC, I had the unique opportunity to organize and host a pop-up art gallery in North Hamilton, part of the Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ); another example of community revitalization. Roxanne Christopher, stated that “(this) exhibition showcased an interconnection of Bermuda communities and the spirit that encapsulates North East Hamilton.

Towards the end of this summer, I was fortunate to participate in yet another community art outreach exhibit. The inaugural art exhibition, Mustard Seed, organized and sponsored by St Paul’s AME Church as a fundraiser and part of its outreach programme was especially special and meaningful. It introduced and exposed many in the community to local art and artists. Premier Paula Cox commented: “The works on display were very powerful pieces, and I was pleased to lend my support, as I see this as a wonderful way to further spur investment in our local art community, and in doing so we are also helping the church.”

While individual donations are a very important part of the support needed, they are not enough. It falls to the business community and the government to provide the remaining financial resources that is needed. 

Mind you, businesses support Bermuda arts: Masterworks, BNG, The Art Center at Dockyard, BSOA and more.

In most jurisdictions IB receive incentives, tax breaks, for their support.  However, in Bermuda companies pay no tax on income or capital gains. According to World Tax Rates, there is no corporate income tax or capital gains tax in Bermuda. 

 International business brings, jobs, foreign exchange. This foreign exchange is used to pay for imports and helps make the business more profitable and strengthen the economy.

 For business support, Government can negotiate incentives, name events after sponsors, and negotiate tax incentives: Payroll tax, Customs Duties, Automobiles Licenses, are but a few negotiating incentives. 

The EEZ finds ways to use arts; especially, when it enhances the tax base, GDP, jobs, economy. When a community attracts cultural tourists, it harnesses even greater economic rewards. Non-local audiences spend twice as much as their local counterparts.

Playwright, director, teacher Pat Nesbitt, said: “make performing arts the third pillar of the Bermuda business model.”

“The island needs a new industry,” says Mrs Nesbitt. “We can offer more than beauty. We have talent that could, and should, be harnessed. There’s significant business potential in the performing arts, and this is something that, as a country, we need to look at.”

 According to, the American for Arts, the arts industry generates nearly $30 billion in revenue to local, state, and federal governments every year. By comparison, the three levels of government collectively spend less than $4 billion annually to support arts and culture — a spectacular 7:1 return on investment that would even thrill Wall Street veterans.”

It is a common belief that the government ends up funding the arts but in reality, for every dollar the government puts into the arts, they get $7 back in revenue. This makes the arts a great resource.

Partnering art helps to build company relations; reduce stress, increase productivity and enhance morale. 

It can broaden employee appreciation of diversity; encourage discussion and expression of opinions. A city with a lively arts community will attract a higher quality work force for the business community. Partnering with arts will improve Bermuda’s bottom line.

The arts play a vital role. The presence of a lively arts community attracts people. The arts contribute directly to the local economy because we are locally rooted. The arts bring in tourists who then spends their money in local businesses. We are not a charity; we are vital contributing members, worthy business partners. The arts community has the power to help lead our local community out of this economic downturn.  All Bermuda can benefit from that.