THE ART ECONOMY

 

Eastway Crossing strip mall lies across a vast parking lot like a bleached whale, its major tenet long gone. Only a few small senate spaces are occupied. Life though still stirs there with the help of a creative group of artist entrepreneurs. Sometimes overlooked are the importance of artists to the economy. They will never move the dial in terms of major impact, but play a key role in changing a city. Artist seek out low rent and available space. You often find them flourishing in these edges of a city. Places in transition where their efforts and endeavors hold things in place until major change happens. Often these places grow with their efforts over time. Maybe as with Eastway, a small bookstore starts, then a coffee shop, a poetry bar, and surplus art supply. All built around painters, photographers and writers. A mix that attracts those seeking new experiences. The irony is that as these places on the edge redevelop, the artists are pushed out. Creative types are seekers with passion though, reaching out for the next place on the edge where they can flourish for a time. Where treasures can be found. Always in their own way bringing the City with them…