The Arts are back.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic -- live productions are once again headlining at theaters, musical performances and concerts are drawing big audiences and visual arts and exhibits are on display at museums and public places like before the pandemic.

The Arts are not only for enjoyment, education and culture, but are an economic driver as well. The Arts contribute $27.1 billion to Pennsylvania's economy. During the pandemic, more than 16,000 people employed in the Arts lost their jobs and the state lost $4.4 in economic activity.

On the bright side, artists and performers say the pandemic may have produced even more creativity during their time at home or at least not being able to work publicly.

Tuesday's Smart Talkexplores the state of the Arts in Central Pennsylvania from the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster.

Appearing on the program are Nicole Hackman, Director of Advancement and Government Relations at the Fulton Theatre, Guy McIntosh, Executive Director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Kelley Gibson, President of the Cultural Alliance of York County and artist and educator Ophelia Chambliss.

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