Creativity is key to a vibrant town

Investing in arts and culture has an array of benefits for towns large and small. For rural areas, it may be especially important for long-term development because it can help attract and retain young creative people.

“Chefs, growers, musicians, artists and other makers build an expressive, exciting place that adds to the quality of life of that place and the vibrancy of that quality of rural life,” said Charles Fluharty, Rural Policy Research Institute president and CEO.

Faulkton, South Dakota is a diminutive town in the central part of the state but its Faulkton Area Arts Council has a long legacy of supporting artistic endeavors in the area that add to the town’s charm. The town boasts an annual art fair, artist residencies, a murder mystery dinner theatre and more.