Officials in Tucson have released the first major report of the Somos Uno project that looks at the city’s arts and cultural heritage assets.
The State of Culture report is the first stage of a local project that aims to create a roadmap to preserve, build upon and celebrate Tucson’s arts and cultural heritage.
Project researchers found Tucson’s arts and culture and creative industries contribute more than $4 billion to the local economy annually and account for more than 52,000 jobs.
“We have an incredible history and culture in Tucson, and yet, all the events and activities are kind of organic, they put themselves together,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
But, Romero says, the city has for years lacked a strategic plan for how to manage those assets. Project managers got started last year gathering data through interviews with community leaders, pop-up events and public surveys.
Romero says the report will be used to make recommendations to the mayor and council later this year.
“This initiative is about more than about preservation, it’s about really positioning Tucson on the global stage, showcasing our innovation, our arts, our history, our culture,” she said.
Romero says it’s also about creating a roadmap for future Tucsonans to learn and benefit from the city’s arts and culture industries.
