The City of Fredericton has, like many other communities, realized the importance of the arts and culture for both the local economy and the quality of life of residents and visitors to the City. When the arts and culture are recognized, sustained and celebrated, communities benefit through better social balance, healthier living, economic prosperity and enhanced community pride. The City is among the first in New Brunswick to produce, with the assistance of stakeholders, a Municipal Arts Policy. The Policy formally establishes the place of the arts in the community, assists the City in decision-making with respect to investment, in-kind assistance, program, promotion and communications, and assists in rationalizing City services with respect to the arts.