Arts is an Economic and Culture Boost to Lancaster, Pennsylvania

What's happening in downtown Lancaster that's changing the way people find local art? Lancasterarts.com. During April's First Friday event, (held monthly in Lancaster City) LancasterArts collaborated with six other Keystone Arts Organizations in in addition to the Pennsylvania Dutch Visitor's Bureau and the Lancaster County Community Foundation to launch a brand new regional marketing program to promote the expanding arts culture in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania to new audiences.

President and CEO of LancasterArts, Elizabeth Todd Lambert, is excited about the television, print and website promotional efforts as well as the new visitors it may bring to a town she says is a "hub for the arts". Lancaster Arts works in collaboration with many facets of the downtown arts scene such as the Fulton Theatre home of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra , the Demuth Museum featuring the work of the late artist Charles Demuth, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design , the Heritage Center Museum at Market Square , Lancaster Museum of Art and many more. Their goal is to network galleries as well as the public with the right fit for their fancy.

Todd Lambert sees arts as a valuable resource to the local economy. Since the launch of the marketing campaign, she has seen a roughly 50% increase in website traffic. LancasterArts worked closely with Franklin & Marshal College here in Lancaster City to detail the economic footprint that the downtown arts has on the local economy. They found that the arts generates $72 million in economic flows and supports 1,100 jobs. As a city resident myself, I have witnessed increasing foot traffic during the monthly First Friday events and bi-annual ArtWalks.

Lancaster City provides a unique character of art unlike those found in other markets. It's a perfect spot for appreciators of art to find exhibits that are exclusive to the area such as grassroots theater programs such as PRiMA Theatre Company and the Kevin Lehman Pottery featuring over a dozen local potters and glassmakers. The arts venues are constantly expanding to include interesting new showcases and exhibits.

For more information and events on what's happening with the arts in Lancaster, visit Lancasterarts.com