Without a significantly more vibrant arts and cultural sector, Arizonas Maricopa County, known as the Valley of the Sun, can not be competitive with other regions in the that see arts and culture as playing a key role in fueling their economic prosperity. That is the conclusion in this final report of the Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force, a 30-member task force comprised of executives from the corporate, arts, public, educational and philanthropic sectors. The Task Force makes the business case for arts and culture citing research and real world examples which show that a vibrant arts and culture sector helps give the community an identity, brings together people of diverse backgrounds to bridge differences, attracts the talent of the "creative class" of workers, plays a role in developing a future workforce, draws business investment leading to jobs, generates an economic return on an investment, supports tourism, and is used as a catalyst for revitalization for distressed areas. In addition, the Task Force analyzed numerous facets of the Valleys arts and culture sector and found that it lags behind in many areas (including funding, employment, and growth trends) when compared to nine other metropolitan regions. To become a showcase for arts and culture that positively impacts the community and its economy and makes the Valley competitive with other regions, the Task Force recommends the following strategies: 1. Create a regional arts and culture partnership. 2. Integrate arts and culture into current economic development at all levels. 3. Significantly enhance participation in arts and culture activities. 4. Build regional distinction for arts and culture. 5. Integrate arts and culture into education at all levels. 6. Identify and secure dedicated funding resources. [For a summary of this report, see Vibrant Culture Thriving Economy: Arts, Culture and Prosperity in Arizonas Valley of the Sun (Executive Summary).]

This final report of the Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force illustrates the economic importance of arts and culture; outlines the financial challenges facing Maricopa County, Arizonas arts and culture institutions; and recommends strategies and actions for improving the arts and culture sector.