Southern US cities lure artists to boost economy

In Raleigh, N.C., where the ballet used to practice in a mall, the arts are blossoming.

"The fact is, cities are realizing you don't get a lot of bang for your buck for large investments in conference centers." In contrast, he says, promoting arts is a bargain.

Public art installations, dance curricula in low-income city schools, and public investments in performance space have dramatically changed the fortunes of Greenville, S.C., which has doubled its workforce in the last 10 years.