Daily Blog: Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, New Hampshire may have only 20,000 residents. But it also has a unique arts culture that has once again made the list of the nation's Top 25 Arts Destinations according to AmericanStyle Magazine:

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090424/GJNEWS_01/704249893/-1/FOSNEWS

The article quotes Wendy Rosen, the magazine publisher, as saying:

"'Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from," Rosen added. 'Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products.'"

This is an example of a mid-sized city that is surviving--and even thriving--because of a vibrant, homegrown arts community. Indeed, Rosen argues that local arts helped small cities during the last recession and is showing signs of helping in this recession:

"'They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now.'"

In these dark days of economic recession, mid-sized cities like Portsmouth, NH are proving a light of hope.