The New York Times reports that New York City is establishing an office to support arts groups. Has America finally realized the importance of arts? Perhaps its more economically motivated, particularly in New York City. Without the galleries, broadway or creative design companies - what have you? Wall Street. Exactly. So, Mayor Bloomberg is upping the ante.

Daniel L. Doctoroff, the deputy mayor for economic development, told the gathering that New York City had lost 894,000 residents from 2000 to 2004 and that those who left were in general better educated than those who remained. "We're constantly having to replenish our supply of people who power this city, particularly creative people," he said. 

Cities in Europe and Asia are "stealing our cultural institutions," he said, adding, "We've got to stay ahead of the pack." 

I knew the New York art establishment would be feeling the aftershocks of the Saigon art scene. But who knew how they would retaliate. Time to move back to America? Not quite yet.

Source
New York Times. New York City Is Establishing an Office to Support Arts Groups