The Coin of Creativity
Aaron P. Dworkin
In the heartbeat of towns
where old bricks lay
And streets narrate tales
It is there, in the quiet
Of artistic embers
igniting the economy
of society.
Amidst the tapestry
Of community
Paper and coins echo
From the craft and creativity
Woven by those
Who emanate a contribution
From movement and sound
Design and anticipated lies
On stages of humor and tragedy.
Murals transform desolate walls
Into landscapes
Of financial opportunity
When vacancy evolves
Into vibrancy of mercantile bustle
An alchemy spun
From the hustle of citizens
Who illustrate our commonality
Despite the landmarks of division.
Galleries emerge
Cafes arise beside artisans
Crafting an ecosystem
Where commerce and culture reside
Alongside venues forgotten by time
Awakened by the tourism of admirers
Whose footfalls sow impressions
Into soil of prosperity.
Art is not just a muse
To behold for pleasure
It is the fuel for those
Informed by civics to use
Transforming otherwise
Unrealized reality
Into inspired thriving
Artist-led economy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Aaron is a best-selling writer and poetjournalist having authored his poetry collection, They Said I Wasn’t Really Black, along with four other books including his memoir, Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Irish-Catholic Adoptee's Journey to Leadership, and The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives.
Read more about Aaron here.
