What you can do to support our creative economy right now!

So much is shut down right now. And, for our cultural economy, that is a harsh blow. The arts — expression and application of creative skill and imagination, are the building blocks of Concord’s history and culture. Theatre, art, music, dance and literature have shaped our state by assisting in learning, education and attitudes. But while arts have been such a prevailing force in history, now is the time for New Hampshire to step up and support the creative community that has done so much for us all.

New Hampshire's creative economy generates audiences for our theaters, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, municipal opera houses, Furniture Masters, state parks, and others. Arts and culture organizations contribute over $53 million annually to the state's economy and audiences contribute another $62 million (should probably cite the source here). The arts are a critical part of our economy and how we see ourselves. So many studies have shown that teaching the arts helps children understand academics better, be more tolerant, and embrace creativity. They go on to be the entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community leaders who fuel our economy. Arts4NH is a state-wide voice for arts and creativity, advocating for the value of the arts and culture to NH’s economic, educational and social well-being.

Here are a few things you can do today to support the creative economy:

Pay it forward
If you’ve purchased tickets to a performance or shows that have been canceled, skip asking for a refund. Put the cost of the ticket towards a future show, or just make it a donation. And why not buy a membership to a museum, your local theatre group, or indie movie theater too? Think of the Capitol Center for the Arts, Red River Theatres, Concord City Auditorium, Concord Community Music School, the Hatbox Theatre, and so much more!

Buy stuff online
Art, t-shirts, logoed items, music, points, books… When it comes to the local artists whose work you enjoy, buy something online, or buy so stuff to help generate income. And, why not buy a gift card while you are at it?

Pre-purchase tickets for the fall
Help out by buying tickets to see upcoming plays, art shows or films.

Watch and support
Local artists are streaming their music live. Seek them out and tune in, show support, like and share online.

Read local authors
Consider this an opportunity to read the work of NH poets and authors. Head to our local Gibson’s Bookstore online and stock up on good reads!

For a small state we have an array of museums, indie movie theaters, and performing arts centers, all of which offer culture, new ideas, and perspective. Think about how you define our state, the truly unique things — how many of them have a link to the arts? We define our communities by the old stone walls, the simple town green, the writers who gave us Peyton Place, Cider House Rules, and the Last Policeman. We think of pewter tankers, amazing turned wood, and granite jewelry. We make these things with our minds, our hands and our souls - that is the true value of this place. If you are proud of New Hampshire - if you post "Granite State of Mind" to Facebook and call this “the 603” — think of what makes us… us, and tell others. Investing in the arts is an investment in our community.

Here are a few things you can do today to support the creative economy