Does the Louvre make Paris more livable? Do the theaters on Broadway make New York City safer? How about the jazz clubs in New Orleans? Do they inspire city dwellers to explore their environment?

We all might agree that cultural centers add value to our communities, yet measuring this value is a challenge. To discuss the importance of investing in arts and culture, the Municipal Art Society of New York is hosting a free event, “Measuring Vibrancy: The Impact of Arts-and-Culture Investments in Placemaking.” The Municipal Art Society of New York is a nonprofit organization committed to making New York a more livable city through education, dialogue and advocacy for intelligent urban planning, design and preservation.

The event will feature the experiences of experts in economic development, urban design and real estate to highlight the challenges to measuring the impact of cultural centers. The panelists will include:

• Carol Coletta, President, ArtPlace (NYC) – Moderator
• Joe Cortright President and Principal Economist, Impresa (Portland, OR)
• Kevin Stolarick, Research Director, The Martin Prosperity Institute, Rotman Schoolof Management (Toronto, ON)
• Harriet Tregoning, Director, Washington, DC, Office of Planning (Washington,DC)
• Sue Mosey, President, Midtown Detroit (Detroit, MI)

The event is the latest program in the MAS Arts Forum series. Produced since 1990, the series presents visionary cultural leaders working in all disciplines, across the country and around the world, who share their knowledge and experience with New Yorkers passionate about arts advocacy, policymaking and management.

This event is supported by ArtPlace and the Rockefeller Foundation. The MAS Arts Forum is generously supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m., and will be followed with a reception. The event is free and requires registration. Register here.