If you want talent for economic growth, defend music culture: Newt Fowler

Like we’ve heard from others, the idea that a city’s cultural offerings drive talent acquisition for a region, the conversation continues.
[In a conversation with] with Steve Yasko, General Manager of the public radio station WTMD, I started by suggesting there was a talent gap in town and I wondered whether he thought Baltimore’s cultural scene could help.
“The leadership of the city keeps chasing the ‘creative class’ without really understanding what the city needs to do to attract them.” For Steve, culture drives talent. And civic leadership beyond proclamations and photo ops matters. “We lack a significant and overt support of the independent music community and arts culture.”
To the question of what the city should do, Steve answers, “greater investment and recognition of music events not headlined by Katie Perry, the Beach Boys or Blake Shelton.” Steve acknowledges there are moments of support, “we’re thrilled that the city has recognized First Thursday concerts in the park.”
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