Inspiring (my fingers are crossed):<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><B>Business group throws clout behind N.E. arts community</B><P>Mary Jo Palumbo, Boston Herald<P>A New England business group yesterday announced a 10-point plan to increase arts-related jobs and investment in the region - with a little help from Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><A HREF="http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/arts_culture/arts06282001.htm" TARGET=_blank><B>More</B></A>

More on the business venture that is supporting the arts in New England:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><B>The Creative Economy Initiative</B><P>The Creative Economy Initiative is a multi-year initiative that provides a new framework for understanding the role of the cultural sector in the New England economy. The recently completed second phase of the Initiative culminates with the release of a comprehensive strategic action plan for stimulating the development of the cultural sector of New England, entitled "The Creative Economy Initiative: a Blueprint for Investment in New England's Creative Economy" available in PDF format for download below. <P>Phase One of the Initiative (available in PDF format below) produced a definition of the cultural sector that encompasses non-profit and commercial activity and the activity of individual artists. The Phase One report was released publicly on May 15, 2000, and explores the role of arts and culture in New England's economic competitiveness.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>More on the web site: <A HREF="http://www.nefa.org/creativeeconomy/" TARGET=_blank><B>www.nefa.org/creativeeconomy</B></A>