ABSTRACT
The state has a major stake in the arts and culture. In some cases, such as Europe before democratic governments took root, this may have meant royal patronage or church commissions, what has been described as ‘public sector aristocracy’ (Cowen 2006: 93). More recently, attention has turned to art’s role in improving student learning, in building a strong workforce, and in developing creative industries. Investment in the arts helps to strengthen the economy by promoting tourism, revitalizing the core commercial district, and attracting business to expand local job opportunities.1
