Over the past several decades, much attention has been devoted to assessing the economic impact of the arts and cultural activity on cities. Most of these studies focus on the role of major venues—like museums and performing arts centers—in improving a city’s attractiveness to out- of-towners and young, college-educated “creatives.” By contrast, the role of the arts in enhancing the lives of ordinary urban residents, especially those who live in moderate- and low-income neighborhoods, has received relatively little attention.