The Impact of Arts and Culture on Local Communities

Arts and culture aren’t just pastimes — they’re powerful tools for building strong, connected communities. They inspire creativity, foster belonging, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and the towns they call home. At Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), we see this every day in Ely, Minnesota. From youth theater productions to outdoor art classes, we know firsthand how vital the arts are to community life.

This post explores how arts and culture drive local transformation — through education, economic development, identity-building, and meaningful engagement — and how NLAA is helping lead the way.

One of the most visible and immediate impacts of the arts is how they bring people together. Community events — like theater performances, art fairs, and live music — give neighbors a reason to gather, connect, and share in something joyful. At NLAA, our summer musicals, chamber concerts, and gallery nights regularly fill spaces with laughter, conversation, and applause.

A production like Matilda the Musical, supported by Ely Family Dental, the Vermilion Campus Foundation, and an Arrowhead Regional Arts Council operating support grant, is more than a show — it’s a community celebration. Volunteers, families, and local businesses all take part, and the result is a deepened sense of pride and shared ownership in our town’s cultural life.

Proud participants display their creative tempera portrait paintings after completing a vibrant outdoor art class.

Arts Impact on Education and Youth Engagement

For young people especially, the arts offer more than enrichment — they offer empowerment. Programs that foster artistic expression help kids explore who they are and who they can become. At NLAA, our Greenstone Art Camp and Stars of the North Broadway Workshop are designed to make those opportunities accessible, nurturing, and transformative.

These programs not only introduce youth to theater, music, and visual arts — they also help develop essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. National research backs up what we see on the ground: students involved in the arts do better academically, graduate at higher rates, and develop stronger emotional intelligence.

In our rural region, where access to arts education can be limited, NLAA fills a crucial gap — offering scholarships, mentorship, and meaningful creative outlets to students across northeastern Minnesota.

Young performers light up the stage during the NLAA's Summer Theater Program, showcasing their talent amidst a vibrant, sparkling backdrop.

What is arts and culture examples?

Arts and culture come in many shapes and forms — traditional and modern, public and personal. Here are a few of the many ways they show up in communities like ours:

• Public Murals: Local artists use walls to tell the story of their towns, creating vibrant works that honor cultural heritage and invite public dialogue.

• Festivals & Events: From jazz festivals to local film screenings, cultural events draw visitors and highlight the creative pulse of a community.

• Community Theater: Groups like NLAA’s summer stock season invite people of all ages to act, sing, direct, or support backstage — turning creativity into collaboration.

• Galleries & Exhibits: Showcasing regional artists and young creators, these spaces become places of inspiration and reflection.

An instructor guides young artists in a watercolor session at NLAA's Greenstone Art Camp, fostering creativity and learning in a bright, spacious setting.

The Economic Impact of Arts and Culture

Arts and culture also play a significant role in local economies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts contributed $877 billion to the national economy in 2017 — representing 4.5% of the GDP. In Ely and surrounding communities, NLAA contributes to that impact by attracting cultural tourism, creating jobs, and supporting creative entrepreneurship.

Every ticket sold, class enrolled, or artwork purchased helps circulate dollars back into local businesses — whether that’s a downtown coffee shop, a framing studio, or a hotel welcoming theater-goers. And when we invest in arts programming, we’re not just creating beauty — we’re helping build a more sustainable, resilient local economy.

Fostering Community Identity and Belonging

Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts of arts and culture is how they help define a community’s character. Through storytelling, visual expression, and performance, residents get to see their lives and histories reflected and honored. For towns like Ely, this is essential — a way to preserve heritage while also embracing new voices and ideas.

At NLAA, we’re proud to create space for that dialogue. Whether through youth-created art, new work by regional artists, or performances that tackle contemporary themes, we’re helping weave a cultural fabric that reflects all who live here.

From shared art installations to intergenerational performances, these projects build bridges — between generations, cultures, and perspectives.

Community Engagement and Participation

For all this good to happen, community involvement is key. NLAA’s programming is only possible because of volunteers, donors, artists, and partners who believe in the power of creativity. When people show up — to paint a set, join a choir, hang lights, or buy a ticket — they’re doing more than supporting the arts. They’re actively shaping the community they want to live in.

We also rely on strong partnerships — with local schools, city officials, and nonprofits — to reach more people and expand access. And by using digital tools like newsletters and social media, we keep folks informed and connected to what’s happening in our creative corner of the Northwoods.

Lasting Influence of Arts and Culture in Local Communities

Arts and culture aren’t luxuries — they’re essential to healthy, connected, and thriving communities. They offer joy, meaning, and possibility. At Northern Lakes Arts Association, we’re committed to nurturing that potential — not just for today, but for generations to come.

Whether through a child’s first time on stage, a stunning gallery debut, or the magic of a packed opening night, we’re proud to be part of this story — and excited for what’s next.

To get involved, volunteer, or support NLAA’s work, visit northernlakesarts.org. Together, we can keep building a future where the arts aren’t just present — they’re central.

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This exploration of the impact of arts and culture on local communities reveals the breadth and depth of their significance. Not only do they contribute to aesthetic enjoyment, but they also serve as vital tools for unity and growth. Whether through economic benefits, educational engagement, or cultural identity, the arts remain a powerful force that can reshape communities for the better.