Investing in our cultural institutions builds business

"Whether you're in retail, technology, health care or real estate development, your long-term success doesn't just depend on your bottom line, but on the life happening in the communities around you. Thriving neighborhoods don't pop up on their own or happen through public infrastructure investment alone. They develop from the inspiration, inclusion and imagination that our cultural and civic institutions provide."

"Public funding is shrinking, as costs rise while demand does too. Many are being forced to scale back. This isn't just a cultural loss. It's a tear in the social fabric that supports education, mental health and provides a sense of community, all while creating economic opportunity. These spaces matter. They teach, inspire and bring families together. They preserve our local stories and give neighbors of all backgrounds a place to connect. They spark conversations."

"Our museums invite us to reflect on the world around us, to learn from the past and serve as a launchpad for future generations of dreamers and leaders. They offer hands-on exhibits and programming that ignite curiosity and learning for children, while providing adults with opportunities to engage with art and history in ways that spark reflection, creativity and personal growth."

Cultural and civic institutions—museums, libraries, theaters and community centers—build neighborhood life by fostering inspiration, inclusion and imagination. They create places for children to learn, neighbors to connect, and for local stories to be preserved. Public funding is shrinking while costs and demand rise, forcing many institutions to scale back and weakening social supports for education, mental health and community belonging. Museums and similar spaces provide hands-on exhibits and programs that ignite curiosity and offer adults pathways for reflection, creativity and growth. Community involvement, including financial gifts and board service, directly supports institutional resilience and long-term economic vibrancy.

Read at Newsday