To the Journal editor:

Although what is expressed in the editorial “Arts and culture a key part of vibrant community” is something I’d strongly support, its opening sentence may give a misimpression.

Arts and culture are “a city’s heart and soul,” but they are not only that. Arts and culture tremendously contribute to the economy of cities, in some cases (taking all their consequences into account) more than do the very businesses and development to which the editorial would oppose them.

These types of statements are, partially, stereotypes actual numbers will contradict.

Carelessly or deliberately failing to acknowledge this has the potential of indirectly damaging the arts, and making it more difficult for artists, whether visual or performing, to make their living from art.

CHEVALIER DANIEL C. BOYER

New York, New York