All too often, the connection between the arts and economic development is minimized, if acknowledged at all. History shows us that societies able to produce art only did so once the basic needs were met. Also, the development of art culture in those societies would usually coincide with further growth of the economy in that area.

The beautiful Mississippi River flows through our backyard and has offered artistic inspiration for generations; the cemetery has as well. The architecture of our antebellum homes and downtown cityscapes are more than notable. To top things off, the Blues Highway runs directly through Natchez. Yet somehow, Natchez isn’t the artistic hub of Mississippi. Think of the increase to the already prevalent tourism market if our arts were more widely broadcasted.

Natchez has the potential to be a thriving arts community. With the rich culture and historic value alone, our tourism market is a major component of the local economy. Imagine if we engaged in developing the arts across our community and supported our local artists with the same pride we take in our tourism.

A connection also exists between the arts and education. Participating in the arts at an early age can further develop the brain as evidenced in improved motor control, attention, motivation, and can be an essential part of intellectual and even social development. When we improve our ability to play an instrument, draw, paint, create, sculpt, design, sing, etc., in addition to developing possible careers and a more stimulating environment, we are also creating neurological pathways that can be used in other areas of our lives that impact us personally, at home, in our community and consequently our economy.

According to research, exposure to drama, music and dance are correlated to higher proficiency in reading, writing and math. This connection is particularly true in the areas of general literacy and critical thinking skills. Even some studies that did not find as much impact specifically with improved academic performance did find a connection between the arts and increased phonological awareness which leads to increased reading fluency, improved visual analysis, creative problem-solving, using better judgment and learning from mistakes.

Participating in group arts, particularly in the performing arts, provides similar effects to those of any sport by developing an individual’s resiliency and commitment to reach a goal, whether as an individual or as a team. Working long hours under extreme conditions is often more manageable when you have participated in outdoor activities or sports, as it builds paths in the mind that make it more manageable to work in environments that are not always comfortable.  This leads to resiliency at work because you are not as easily deterred from a task when conditions are less than comfortable.  What else can it do? It can provide opportunities to learn how to take/receive direction, to delegate tasks, to meet deadlines, to work on a bigger goal and to celebrate small steps of success toward reaching it.

Research also indicates additional positive effects of the arts including behavioral effects for children resulting in better understanding and connection to the world around them leading to “improving community cohesion.” Also cited are connections to higher graduation and attendance rates, as well as decreased discipline infractions. These effects are probably due to the affiliation that develops from being part of a constructive group.

The sooner we begin to invest in ourselves in a positive manner, the sooner we will see the fruits of this investment. We have the history, the culture and the base to find inspiration. All we lack as an arts community is promotion and local support of the artists, both of which are as simple to correct as it is to state. Support local artists, attract renowned talent, broadcast the events to surrounding areas, and be patient. If you build it, they will come.

If we stop embracing the arts and supporting them in our local education, then we risk continuing to do things the way we’ve always done them.

Natchez United invites you to join us for our weekly events:

4Community Prayers for Natchez – 7 p.m. Mondays at the Hotel Vue.

4Community Meeting to Support Natchez – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Hotel Vue.

4Open Mic Night on the Natchez Grand Porch – 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Sammy Qadan is a Natchez United Member.