Let’s stop undervaluing the arts

Too often, we treat access to art as a privilege, something that is “nice to have,” not a baked-in necessity of human life, writes Leslé Honoré, the CEO of Urban Gateways. But arts generate social capital and economic growth, and are essential to Chicago’s future.

In an op-ed for the Chicago Sun-Times, Leslé Honoré, CEO of Urban Gateways, passionately argues against the marginalization of the arts in society, especially within education and public discourse. Honoré stresses the vital role of the arts in generating social capital and economic growth, and as an essential component of Chicago's future vitality. Highlighting the deep-rooted human connection to the arts for storytelling and expression, Honoré points out the daily reliance on artistic outputs across all media. The piece calls for a reevaluation of art as a fundamental necessity, advocating for increased access to arts education, support for artists as professionals and entrepreneurs, and equitable funding for arts organizations, particularly those led by Black and Brown communities. By detailing the economic benefits of the arts, including pre-pandemic figures of $3.2 billion in activity and $2.25 billion from cultural assets in the Loop, Honoré underscores the importance of arts in urban revitalization and community well-being.

This message aligns closely with the goals of Arts for Everybody, which emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and the transformative power of the arts in society. Both advocate for breaking down the barriers to art access, recognizing the arts as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and economic development, and ensuring that art resources are equitably distributed among all communities, especially those historically marginalized.

For a detailed exploration of how the arts are integral to our daily lives, public policy, and the economic fabric of Chicago, and why we must prioritize and adequately fund them, visit the full article on the Chicago Sun-Times website.