The Surprising Strength Of Minnesota’s Arts Education System

Thanks to a large number of arts charities and a lively artistic community that loves to attend art-based events, Minnesota ranks among the very best states for artists.

With Friday being World Art Day, SmileHub set out to determine the best states for the arts. Using the main categories of Access to Art, Artists Economy/Personal Finances and Arts Education, New York took the top spot in the USA.

WHAT ARE THE TOP STATES FOR ARTS? 

New York finished in first place overall in economy/finances and in arts education. California finished the survey second overall, while Washington's overall third-place finish included the top spot in the access to art category.

MINNESOTA IS A GREAT PLACE FOR ARTISTS 

Minnesota finished as the tenth-best state in the country for art and artists. The Land of 10,000 Lakes was ninth in art access, 14th in arts education and 17th in economy/personal finances.

In the various sub-categories, Minnesota finished 29th in 'Share of Population with Visual Arts Degree'; 5th in 'Charities Per Capita'; 9th in 'Federal Arts Funding Per Capita'; 5th in 'Share of Residents Who Attend Art Events'; 12th in 'Artists Per Capita' and 22nd in 'Quality of Graduate Art Programs.'

THE WORST STATES FOR ARTISTS

The 'worst' state for artists is Mississippi (50th), followed by Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and West Virginia.