Quilts Mean Economic Development and Tourism

Today we will focus on tourism as a vehicle for economic development. Let me say right up front though that an economy developed around tourism exclusively is fraught with weaknesses. There are just too many external factors that can affect it. For example, take right now for instance. Gasoline prices are high, job security is low, and discretionary dollars are few. That all spells "stay at home" for many families even during vacation season. Given you all my disclaimers, tourism is a valuable piece of an economic picture. It brings new people to the community who spend money on food, lodging, gas, retail, as well as the tourist site. That is why outlet malls are built near large tourist attractions like Williamsburg. People on vacation spend pure and simple. The challenge is to have something they want to see. And it is amazing what people want to see. We will look at a range of things this week.

Today I want to talk quilts. There are a number of places that have capitalized on America's interest in the tradition and art of quiltmaking. The quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama, helped put this American art form on the may in recent years. There are quilter's conferences and museums that bring in thousands of people. Also it is an opportunity to get to know people--not just look at exhibits. Communities that have captured this kind of tourism realize a ripple effect among visitors. If there is an artform or distinguishing feature of your community--think tourism. If you need a few ideas, check out the roadside attraction website. Remember people are interested in lots of things!

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[Blair Benjamin]

Thought you'd be interested to know that our research center (the Williams College Center for Creative Community Development -- www.c-3-d.org -- in North Adams, MA) is embarking on an economic and social impact evaluation of the New England Quilt Museum and Quilt Festival (www.nequiltmuseum.org) in Lowell, MA, thanks to support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. We're excited to explore what sorts of impacts can be attributed to such an organization. Our results should be available in the fall of '08.