CULTURE

The Great Lake Region is known for its "world class" cultural institutions, a
legacy of its proud and varied ethnic and industrial heritage and proclivity
for the arts and entertainment. The diversity of cultural resources, a high
level of community and corporate philanthropy, and local government support
give the Region one of its best comparative advantages.

* According to Places Rated Almanac, 11 of the Region's metropolitan areas are
ranked in the top 25 nationally in cultural facilities, including public
television and radio stations, universities, theaters, symphony orchestras,
opera and dance companies, public libraries, etc.

* One-third of all major U.S. orchestras are located in the Region, as are 129
theaters (45% of the national total) hosting Broadway touring performances.

* Combined annual attendance for the most popular museum in each Great Lakes
state amount to more than 14 million.

* The operating budget for the 34 professional opera companies in the Region
is more than $184 million.

* Nearly 400 million public library materials were circulated in the Region in
a recent year, according to the American Library Directory.

* Fifty-five percent of total foundation assets and eight of the nation's top
ten foundations are located in the Region.


NEW YORK'S ATTRACTIONS--FROM NIAGARA FALLS TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM--HAVE
MADE THE STATE A TOP DOMESTIC TOURISM DESTINATION. THEY REGULARLY DRAW A
FOURTH OF ALL FOREIGN TRAVELERS TO THE U.S.