The impending creation of a Cultural Arts Commission for Newtown by the Legislative Council is intended to enhance the town’s chances of securing state grants to fund cultural events and activities locally. The new commission, which has been under review for months, was anticipated last week at a meeting between the community development coordinator for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and local representatives of arts and cultural groups on how best to compete for scarce public arts funding. Notwithstanding all the focus on getting checks from the state, this new initiative by Newtown is about more than just money.

The reason so few tax dollars are allocated to the promotion and support of our cultural life is that too many policymakers believe art and culture is the province of the elite — a luxury for the privileged few and a nonessential for the rest of us. They argue that there are more important uses for our resources, like schools, public safety, and roads.

While these identified priorities are important, the neglect of cultural institutions is evidence of the weakened social fabric of a place just as much as inadequate schools, crime, and crumbling infrastructure. A report funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts identifies support for culture and the arts as “a force for enhancing community identity and making communities more vibrant and prosperous.” Urban planners have often promoted culture and the arts to jumpstart renewal projects. Demographic researchers have quantified the benefits of what has come to be known as “quality of place.”

In one study, Dr Richard Florida at Carnegie Mellon University found that “quality of life in the community increases the attractiveness of a job by 33 percent for young knowledge workers [creative people who develop and use knowledge in the workplace] — the most important reason after salary for relocation.” These people said “quality of life” included, in large part, a lively music and performance scene. Add to these “qualities of place” historic preservation, art in public places, and the lure of fine arts and crafts in the marketplace, and you have a community of value for both its residents and business people.

A Cultural Arts Commission will be a welcome addition to our community. Yes, we hope it lands its fair share of grants for the town. But most of all, we wish it success in fostering public and private partnerships to create a more interesting, exciting, and vibrant Newtown.