Ask an outsider what they know about Iowa, and they may say one of three things, CORN … HOGS … and FARMLAND. Yes, Iowa is known for its agricultural bounty.

But visit the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, and you’ll undoubtedly run into “American Gothic,” a painting universally recognized as a cultural icon — created by Grant Wood, an Iowan.

The explosion in the numbers of artists and arts activities in the 1940s and 1950s left a legacy that continues today, and what may come as a surprise is that in Iowa, the arts serve as an economic driver that attracts companies, creates jobs and grows local and state revenue. Without a doubt, the arts mean business in Iowa.

A recent study by the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts shows that nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences within Iowa’s Cultural Corridor of 11 counties alone generate $80 million annually and support more than 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs. These jobs and related audience expenditures return $3.3 million in local tax revenue and an additional $4.1 million in state tax revenue.

And it doesn’t stop there. There are 5,834 creative industry businesses in Iowa — which include everything from art museums to graphic art studios — with more than 22,000 employees.

Iowa’s rich arts sector includes a full set of major cultural institutions as well as many smaller but impressive arts organizations fueled by strong partnerships with Iowa businesses. In fact, business support for the arts is a vital piece of Iowa’s arts funding ecosystem and the city’s businesses and arts organizations have banded together to help the city attract and retain talent.

EMC Insurance Companies runs a visual arts competition called Art EMC for current and former Iowa residents. EMC buys several of the submissions to add to its permanent collection. These efforts express company values and culture — adding art to a workplace shows that creativity is valued.

Companies like The Principal Financial Group and EMC have a vested interest in making the region stronger, and the push to make Des Moines more attractive is paying off. The population is growing, unemployment rates are falling, and the number of young people engaged in civic life is increasing. A strong arts scene and a culturally vibrant community is a significant economic driver that shouldn’t be overlooked by Iowa’s businesses or its elected leaders.

Americans for the Arts will reinforce these messages when they come to Des Moines on August 14 to co-host the Iowa Arts Advocacy Caucus with the Iowa Arts Council, Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, BRAVO Greater Des Moines, NAMM, and the United States Conference of Mayors. The statewide training event will educate arts advocates and messengers at the Iowa Presidential Caucuses, as well as invite presidential candidates to speak on their arts policy position.

Iowa, my home state — a name derived from the Native American word meaning “beautiful land” — can be made even more beautiful as we continue to embrace the arts and recognize the value of partnering with the arts in our businesses. Businesses who care about vibrancy and economic development can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. The arts matter in Iowa.

JOHN PAPPAJOHN is on the executive board of Americans for the Arts’ Business Committee for the Arts. Contact: press@artsusa.org.