National Endowment for the Arts recent investment in WOrld Cup host cities

The National Endowment for the Arts recently invested in projects connecting arts and culture to World Cup host cities - supporting performances, public art, workshops, and neighborhood programming designed to help local communities share in the energy of a major sporting event.

That raises an important question for Augusta.

We already welcome thousands of visitors for the Masters, Peach Jam, Ironman, and other major events. But how intentionally are we connecting those visitors to our artists, musicians, farmers, makers, neighborhoods, and small businesses?

Imagine local art trails, neighborhood concerts, cultural tours, food experiences, youth showcases, and vendor opportunities planned alongside our largest sporting events.

The goal should be more than increased traffic and hotel stays. It should be creating lasting visibility, income, and opportunity for the people who make Augusta distinctive.

A great event draws visitors.

A strong civic strategy ensures the community benefits long after they leave.