Why Cities Should Help Artistic Entrepreneurs

Cities must rethink how they treat artistic entrepreneurs, according to a new paper from the Kauffman Foundation.

Nationally, the arts generated $135.2 billion in economic activity and $86.68 billion in resident household income, according to the state of Missouri’s annual report Arts & Economic Prosperity. In New York City alone, arts and culture groups generate about $6 billion annually for the city’s economy.

Creative entrepreneurs also fuel industries such as architecture and media, argues Kauffman. Online journalists create content for start-ups like BuzzFeed and Business Insider, while graphic designers work with ad agencies to help bring their campaigns to life. Here are four ways the Kauffman Foundation says American cities should nurture creative entrepreneurs: