I got this article from a creative young South Dakotan who has moved to the Twin Cities to capitalize on her creative skills. An economic analysis of "creative vitality" finds that Minneapolis ranks sixth nationwide for the amount of economic activity generated by the creative arts industry. According to the report commissioned by Minneapolis city government, artists and their ilk generate over $700 million in economic activity for Minneapolis, including $430 million in retail sales. That $430 million is 70% of what sports generates for Minneapolis.

The Colorado outfit that produces the Creative Vitality Index™ doesn't have comparable data for South Dakota. But who needs the arts when now we can have nicely state-regulated cage fighting at Sturgis?

Hmm... when my expatriate friend in Minneapolis said she is proud to be part of her new community, she wasn't talking about blood sports at the Target Center.