Why does government feel inclined to support or invest in local arts? We ask the director of a municipal government arts office and talk with a notable public artist who together paint a picture of beautification, community pride, connection, attraction, inclusion, dialogue and big economic returns. They say public art also brings about an important conversation for growing municipalities whose identities may be changing or as new public challenges emerge. Can art be an outlet for government itself? Or a culturally significant communications tool? A lot to consider on this episode. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'New Data Showcase Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in U.S. and States' - https://blog.bea.gov/2017/04/19/new-data-showcase-economic-impact-of-arts-and-culture-in-u-s-and-states/ Matt McConnell, McConnell Studios - http://www.mattmcconnell.com Office of Raleigh Arts - https://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/Arts/Articles/RaleighArts.html Chicago public art initiative - https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/yopa/yopa0.html CitiesSpeak, '8 Ways the Arts Can Boost Your Local Economy & Strengthen Your Community' - https://citiesspeak.org/2017/06/09/8-ways-the-arts-can-boost-your-local-economy-strengthen-your-community/ News & Observer, 'Arts play big art in local economy, study shows,' http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article157663339.html Americans for the Arts' Raleigh study - file:///C:/Users/bbrown/Downloads/AFTARaleighReport.pdf CityLab piece, 'Where Are America's Real Arts Capitals?' - https://www.citylab.com/life/2017/06/where-are-americas-real-arts-capitals/530304/?utm_source=SFTwitter Mayor Rahm Emanuel's podcast - https://soundcloud.com/chicagosmayor