Love Where you Live
Have you ever thought about what makes you love where you live?
Peter Kageyama, who wrote Love Where You Live, says it’s not just about having good roads or decent weather. It’s about the things that make a place feel special—the little moments that make us proud to call our city home.
And honestly? That’s exactly why the arts matter so much to our community.
At West Valley Arts, we’re not just putting on plays or hosting events for the sake of staying busy. We’re helping create the kinds of experiences that make people stop and say, “I love it here.”
Why the Arts?
Think about it. What do you really remember about a city you love?
It’s probably not the traffic or the grocery stores.
It’s the mural you pass on your way to work.
It’s that outdoor concert you went to with friends.
It’s the show that made you laugh so hard you cried.
Those are the moments that stick with us. Those are the things that turn a place from “where we live” into “home.”
The Arts Make Cities Lovable
Peter Kageyama talks about how people are drawn to places that feel interesting and beautiful—places with personality. And that’s exactly what the arts bring to the table.
When we invest in local theatre, public art, live music, and cultural festivals, we’re building a city people actually want to spend time in. A place they’re excited to share with visitors. A place they’re proud of.
And Yes, the Arts Are Good for Business
It’s not just about how the arts make us feel. They also make our local economy stronger.
When people come out for a show or a festival, they’re not just buying tickets. They’re grabbing dinner at a local restaurant. They’re shopping at neighborhood stores. They’re supporting the small businesses that keep our community running.
In fact, research shows that cities with a thriving arts scene attract more visitors, boost local spending, and even create jobs. The arts aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re part of what keeps our local economy healthy and growing.
It’s Not Just About Entertainment
Sure, coming to a show or a concert is fun. But it’s bigger than that.
Arts and cultural events are what Kageyama calls “emotional infrastructure.”
They give us shared experiences and bring us together.
They help us see ourselves—and each other—more clearly.
They remind us why this community is worth investing in.
Why We’re Here
For us at West Valley Arts, this is what it’s all about. We want people to feel that same sense of pride and connection right here on the west side. We want our community to know that we’re not just “good enough,” or defined by other people’s predjudices. We’re a creative, vibrant, and important part of the greater cultural scene.
We want people to love living, working, and playing here. And we believe the arts are a huge part of making that happen.
Help Us Keep the Love Going
The truth is, lovable cities don’t happen by accident. They happen when people care enough to support the things that make life better. So if you’ve ever been moved by a performance, discovered something new at a local festival, or just smiled because a piece of art brightened your day—we’d love your help.
Together, we can keep creating the kind of community that people are excited to call home.
Because this isn’t just where we live. It’s a place worth loving.
#westsidebestside