NC tries to estimate jobs, dollars of creativity

CHARLOTTE -- North Carolina's culture mavens are out to show that real jobs flow from creative pursuits like arts, design and new media. State Cultural Resources Secretary Linda Carlisle and Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco release a report Tuesday in Charlotte on how creative industries contribute to the economy. Officials are trying to put some estimates on the value of artists, historical preservation and Internet publishing. Advocates say creative pursuits are responsible for thousands of North Carolina jobs and millions of dollars. Supporters say communities where arts workers are concentrated are considered to have better quality of life, which attracts new businesses. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)