"Just as a local newspaper is a forum for civic engagement on the issues of the day, the arts are a way for our community to come together and share a common experience – one that celebrates creativity, perspective and aspirations. The arts broaden our understanding of diverse cultures and strengthen the bonds that unite us".

"Culture creates authenticity and distinctiveness in our tourism market. Tourism experiences that connect visitors to our diverse neighborhoods and our multi-cultural residents are invaluable. Cultural tourism is a catalyst to share and celebrate our humanity and promote understanding".

The art we find all around us in Miami lifts us up as individuals and as a community. These surprising moments of beauty strengthen us and bring us together. Art is one language we can use to communicate across the diversity in our city, sharing the joy and magic that it brings.

"Historically the arts and creative class have served as the catalyst to sparking neighborhood revitalization. We actively incorporate the arts in our development approach and enhance the creative economy in our projects. A strong cultural community is good for business".

"The arts are one of the competitive advantages Miami-Dade has in recruiting new companies to our community. Companies want to work in a community that provides a high quality of life to their employees. With over 1,000 arts organizations, some of the top new museums in the country and the top art fairs in the world our arts and cultural community have placed us ahead in the pack".

"The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is proud to host thousands of locals and visitors that gather together to meet and mingle with artists and art lovers from around the world".

"Something happens when our brains are engaged with the arts that makes us better team players, dynamic creative thinkers, and more empathetic people - skills and traits critical to success in the 21st century marketplace. My generation will rise to the challenges facing the future of our economy and workforce by embracing the arts. We are the arts generation".

"The arts illuminate the human condition, bring people together, and in troubled times provide a crucial vehicle for healing. The arts provide emotional and spiritual healing and reduce rates of distress, depression, and anxiety while increasing hope".

"The arts make the impossible happen, make a moment memorable and make people happy. The arts connect us and give us cause to explore our own creativity. It is the unifying element and proactive catalyst to the nation’s most diverse and fastest growing cultural city in the U.S."

"We are such a young city. Our artists are not just reflecting our identity. They are shaping it – everyday - by telling our stories and connecting us in ways that only artists can create".