Connecting industry and the arts for community development: The art hop of Burlington, Vermont

Culture is most easily defined as what people say and do. If this is so, then the people of Burlington, Vermont can be described as keen supporters of arts and culture. The Art Hop has a unique story, and one that is very much worth sharing, which is the purpose of this chapter. Studies have shown that culture, and arts as part of culture, can impact many outcomes across a spectrum: quality of life, sense of place, ability to attract new citizens and investments, all outcomes that can influence long-term community resiliency and economic durability. In other words, culture and arts matter in terms of community development. This chapter provides insight into Burlington’s progression towards a culturally vibrant city, the role of a cultural economy, and the development of the Art Hop, a large cultural event held every year that draws around 30, 000 people. We begin by exploring the context of culture and arts in creative placemaking. The subsequent section then provides insight into Burlington’s approach to preserving and further integrating arts in its downtown industrial district via the City’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and later, through establishment of the South End Arts + Business District (SEABA).