President John F. Kennedy spoke, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."  Those were and still nobel words, but along with that mentality the question on everyone's mind is still, "What's in it for me?"  We here that in real estate it's all about location, location, location.  Don't you think the same is true for artists?  What if you had a place that actually supported the arts, would you produce more art?  Would you have a stronger artist community?  Would there be more opportunity for you?  The answer to all of those is a definitive YES!!!

I'm fortunate to live in the Denver metro area and the city of Denver is a great place for artists.  This week, November 6-14 is Denver Arts Week.  This past weekend we had the monthly First Friday when the galleries are open late inviting everyone to come and see the latest and greatest exhibits.  Saturday evening 11 area galleries were open late and they all offered FREE admission.  Sunday the focus was on performing arts and now throughout the week there are numerous events that will continue the momentum of celebrating art in the city. 

As an artist what do you hope for or expect for the place you live?  Most people don't know that even small towns and municipalities have arts commissions that serve their local community.  It's not just big cities that can support artists and that's why artists need to consider very carefully where they choose to live.  Earlier this year I spoke with some artists from the Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas areas and overwhelmingly, because they lived in more rural parts of the state they felt neglected and without much hope or opportunity. 

When I used to interview employees for large companies the question I would ask is, "would you be willing to relocate".  I can ask artists the same question.  If you want to be an artist, full-time, making your living from your art, don't you think you need to live in a place where you have ongoing opportunities for exposure?  How many actors from around the country pack their bags and head to New York and Los Angeles for their big break?  Why don't artists do this?  The first rebuttal answer is they don't have the money.  Let me tell you, the actors don't have the money either and they find ways to support themselves and their dream.  Are non-performance artists really that myopic? 

It's reasonable to ask "what can my city do for me?"  Now you have to make the decision on which city will get your vote!