The region’s “creative economy” will be a major driver for growth over the coming decades.  This category includes those industries that have their origin in individual creativity, skill, and talent, the primary products of which are ideas, products, and/or services.  Creative economy industries include architecture and design, business consulting, research, performing and visual arts, advertising, films and media, software development, and education.  

Artistic and cultural ventures are often most successful when clustered together, so they can share resources, capitalize on each other’s success, and create a “scene” that will attract attention.  While such clusters are most vibrant when they develop organically, public policy can support the development of arts districts and help to protect those that already exist.  

The vitality of urban areas derives in large part from an abundance of arts and culture, in the form of museums, music venues, galleries, art studios, cultural organizations, and festivals.  Not only do these assets provide enrichment to individuals, they also help to build community, foster civic engagement, and establish a positive identity for urban neighborhoods.  The more people participate in arts and culture events, the more likely they are to participate in other activities that support community life.

MetroFuture establishes bold, achievable, and measurable goals for growth, preservation, and equity in Metro Boston.  A diversity of policy recommendations contained in the implementation plan are designed to move the region toward a brighter future.  A regional indicators framework is necessary to make periodic, quantitative assessments of conditions in the region.  Such assessments will support policy development as well as accountability.  Regional indicators should include information at a variety of levels, providing an understanding of conditions in the region gene