Mile-High Musings on Arts, Culture, Creativity and Philanthropy

A very interesting report called Soul of the Community was issued late in 2009 by the Gallup Poll and the Knight Foundation. It can be found at http://www.soulofthecommunity.org .  The study seeks to answer three key questions: What makes a community a desirable place to live ? What draws people to stake their future in it?   Are communities with more attached residents better off? The study was launched in 2008, and 28,000 people have been interviewed in 26 communities over two years (including Philadelphia – the five county region). One more year will be included in the study with a final report being issued in 2010. The study found that three main qualities bind people to place: Special offerings such as entertainment and cultural venues that serve as places to meet – the top factor in 21 of the 26 communities.   Openness – how welcoming a place is to different types of people. The area’s aesthetics – it’s physical beauty and green spaces Access to q...