We Believe in Arts & Culture
At Inc413, we believe arts and culture have the power to soften life’s hard edges and enrich our everyday experiences, turning mundane routines into vibrant and meaningful events.
But beyond personal enrichment, the influence of arts and culture on business is undeniable—and essential to the strength of the economy and the well-being of society.
The Impact of Arts & Culture on Business
Arts and culture are more than aesthetics; they actively contribute to economic growth and help businesses thrive. In cities and towns, investments in murals, public art, and creative spaces have tangible economic benefits:
- Economic Pillar
The creative economy is a major, but often overlooked pillar of the Western Massachusetts economy, contributing over $27 billion to the state annually. The creative economy also lays the ground for other industries, such as conferencing and tourism. - Employment Creation
The creative economy supports 135,000 jobs—roughly one in six jobs in Massachusetts is linked to the creative sector according to Mass Cultural Council. - Investment Driver
Arts and culture help make cities more attractive to investors. The mayor of Pittsfield highlighted this at a 2024 Western Mass Economic Development Summit, stating that vibrant arts scenes help drive investment in cities and towns. This is true across Western Massachusetts, where a dynamic cultural sector encourages tourism, improves quality of life, and builds stronger, more resilient communities. - Tourism Supercharger
Businesses that integrate local art into their physical spaces attract more foot traffic and create memorable experiences. Murals and public art not only beautify neighborhoods but also encourage tourism, increase foot traffic, and improve the visibility of businesses. Studies have shown that areas with a strong artistic presence become more attractive to both consumers and investors. - Crowd Pullers
Businesses that are located near venues for performing arts, theaters, or cultural festivals benefit from the increased traffic that these events generate. Restaurants, cafes, and retail stores all see more sales during cultural events that draw in large crowds, and these businesses help foster a symbiotic relationship between commerce and culture.
Partnering With the Creative Economy
Creative entrepreneurs—whether they are artists, designers, or performers—help drive this economy forward, yet they often face significant barriers when it comes to accessing the business support they need.
At Inc413, we see you, artists, and creatives and invite you to have a seat at the table in our conversations about business and entrepreneurship.
We partner with different organizations and support projects like Valley of Writers, Literary Massachusetts, and the ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts as part of our commitment to the creative sector.
