PROVIDENCE – Travel & Leisure magazine’s 2009 America’s Favorite Cities survey confirms Providence’s position as one of the nation’s top arts and culture destinations.  The survey ranked 30 U.S. cities on culture, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, quality of life, affordability and more, and Providence ranked high in nearly every category.

“Providence’s high ranking in Travel & Leisure underscores the importance of investing in our city’s arts and culture sector, an important economic driver and jobs generator,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline.  “It will also attract more people to our wonderful, vibrant city and help fuel our local economy.”

The survey ranks Providence 6^th in the nation in its “food and dining” category, with high marks for ethnic food, cafes and coffee bars, farmers markets and “neighborhood joints”.  Providence ranked 4^th in the nation for theater, 12^th for museums and galleries and ranked 8^th overall in the U.S. for culture.

According to a national study (America for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity) released in 2007 on the economic impact of the arts and culture industry in America, Providence generates nearly $112 million in annual economic activity.  In recognition of the importance of arts and culture to the local economy, Mayor Cicilline joined local artists, business and civic leaders recently to unveil a strategic plan to strengthen Providence’s position as a leading arts and cultural destination: Creative Providence: A Cultural Plan for the Creative Sector. 

The Travel & Leisure survey also included an unscientific assessment of Providence’s  “people factor” and gave the city high marks in the following areas:  “most intelligent people” (9^th), “most attractive people” (13^th) and “most stylish” (8^th).

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