The Art Center Highland Park is Turning 65

This Spring, The Art Center Highland Park is enjoying its 65th year on the North Shore. With this celebration comes reflection, and some important questions, like: “what does an arts and culture institution mean for a community?” And, “why is it important to invest in the arts?”

We look to recent data to learn how investing in arts and culture is not only about aesthetics or entertainment; it’s about helping a community to thrive economically, socially, and emotionally. The recent Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study underscores the arts and culture's role as key economic drivers and cornerstones of livable communities.

As Nolen Bivens, President of Americans for the Arts, puts it: “The data from the AEP6 study is a powerful validation that arts and culture are an economic driver at the community level.” He also emphasized how these investments are integral to fostering social and community development. Importantly, this study—conducted with a focus on equity for the first time in 30 years—proves that arts and culture help build communities.

Consider the numbers: 86% of Americans believe arts and culture significantly improve their community’s quality of life and livability. Furthermore, 79% agree that the arts benefit their local businesses and economies. Events and venues are also a source of immense neighborhood pride, with 89% of attendees recognizing their importance in fostering a sense of community. Our residents tell their friends what a great place they live in and realtors and business owners agree.

From a financial perspective, cultural tourism is a boon to local economies. Visitors attending arts and cultural events spend an average of $38.46 per person at local businesses beyond the cost of admission. When communities invest in arts programs and venues, they encourage residents to spend locally, creating vibrant arts scenes that attract talented professionals. These investments position cities for long-term economic growth, making arts and culture indispensable—not luxuries.

The influence of arts and culture extends beyond economics to the core of social well-being. Research consistently shows that communities with robust arts infrastructures are viewed as safer, more cohesive, and resilient. For example, areas with public art and well-lit civic spaces attract more pedestrians, bolstering a sense of safety. Children with access to even minimal arts education perform better academically and socially than their peers, emphasizing how arts enrich lives from an early age.

Arts and cultural activities address an emerging public health crisis: loneliness. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently declared loneliness a major public health risk. Participation in arts-related activities has been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and increase community engagement. Such activities serve as powerful tools for fostering connection, healing trauma, and creating vibrant, resilient communities.

In short, The Art Center Highland Park is not a luxury, not ‘icing on the cake’, but a key ingredient of the batter that makes for a thriving society. Help champion that solid investment by sponsoring or buying tickets to our Annual Benefit.

The Art Center Highland Park, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation since 1960, celebrates its 65th Anniversary on Friday, May 2, at 7 PM with their annual benefit that pays respect to its history while looking forward to what’s next. Honorees include former gallery curator Caren Helene Rudman and local businessman and philanthropist Michael Rosengarden. The celebrity host for the event is NPR’s host of Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, Peter Sagal. The event will include light bites, cocktails, music, and a silent auction. Tickets and sponsorships are still available.