About the only bad thing about the recent trip to Burlington was that I wasn’t able to be in town for the Rural Arts and Culture Summit (sponsored by, among other groups, UMM’s own Center for Small Towns) here on campus. It sounds like a good time was had by all, and Minnesota Public Radio posted not one, not two, but three blog posts about the event.

I agree with all the ideas mentioned here, and firmly believe that the arts are an underused tool in our economic development toolbox. I lived for two years in another rural town that was able to capitalize on the arts as an economic redevelopment idea, and I’m here to tell you – it works. Good to see the word getting out. Minnesota also has the Legacy Amendment specifically for things like this. Take advantage of it.

WF