Lisa, I agree - I think info-tech/digital media entrepreneurs and innovators have more in common than they don't with the artist community. It's also worth noting that a lot of folks in our sector are also members of the "official" arts community. For example, I know many graphic designers who are also fine artists.

And speaking for myself, RI's strong arts & culture offerings were key in my decision to relocate here from New York City.

Speaking from the point of view of someone who likes the arts but who isn't all that artistic: the creative environment in Providence is a major reason my wife and I choose to live here.

A thriving Arts community is why I live in the city. If I wanted low taxes and a low cost of living, I would be in rural Missouri. The value of the Arts is reflected in all aspects of life: the opportunity to be in a wide variety of relationships, the free exchange of ideas, innovative educational opportunities for kids, inspiring and thought provoking experiences. The same conditions that promote innovation in business and technology, also promotes innovation in the Arts. The Arts and Technology communities share quite a few people. In the music graduate program I was in over half of my peers now make their living in the software business, but they remain interested in music and contribute to their local culture in an informed way.

Before I moved here I lived in Brussels for three years and we have a few things we could learn from the Belgians. One of the advantages there is that the government support the Arts more there that here, but the important thing is that the Arts are supported by people. There is a long tradition of challenging art, theater, dance and music events and people attend them in large numbers. They know the value and pay their hard earned money to attend. Building a vital city takes effort from everyone; vision from community leaders, commitment from artists and business owners and support from citizens. It is a long process, but there is a lot of momentum here. It bodes well for the future of Rhode Island.

Absolutely. I'm also a NYC transplant. My wife and I chose RI in part for the arts and specifically chose Providence within RI for that reason.

Great!  Thank you!  And for those of you further interested - the timing for my question has to do with the arts facing legislative cuts in current year FY08 and FY09 budgets.  Of course, we are not alone, and understand the fiscal challenge the State faces.  Though, we have also been attacked on other fronts - including the Public Art law.  In essence - we're shoring up our resources in making the case to secure a supported future.

I placed this Letter to the Editor this week: http://www.pbn.com/stories/296...

Hi Lisa,

As for WhyData, Inc. in Pawtucket, we chose Rhode Island to set up shop for three reasons:

1. Ideal location between, Bos and NYC / Infrastructure
2. Slater and State debt and equity funding
3. Great work/life balance.  Raise a family in an easy-to-navigate, big small town with access to a cultural and creative community that rivals that of a larger city.

It's the assembling of these creative pockets that make RI so unique.  Any tangibal projects to continue these colobrations in a grass-roots way will benefit all of us.