States frequently cited as strong contenders for fine arts:
* California (Los Angeles & San Francisco Bay Area): Home to major studios, museums (Getty, LACMA), a thriving film industry, and numerous prestigious art schools (CalArts, UCLA, Stanford). Highly competitive but offers immense opportunities. High cost of living is a significant factor.
* New York (New York City): A global center for art, with world-renowned museums (MoMA, Met), galleries, Broadway, and a vast network of art schools (School of Visual Arts, Parsons, Pratt). Extremely high cost of living, intense competition.
* Massachusetts (Boston & surrounding areas): Strong presence of art schools (Rhode Island School of Design, Massachusetts College of Art and Design), museums, and a vibrant arts community. Generally a higher cost of living than many other areas but less extreme than NYC or LA.
* Illinois (Chicago): Known for its impressive art museum (Art Institute of Chicago), a dynamic theater scene, and several good art schools. More affordable than the coasts but still a major city with its own competitive landscape.
* Texas (Austin & Dallas): Growing art scenes with a mix of established institutions and emerging artists. Offers a potentially more affordable cost of living than the coasts, though this varies greatly by city.
Ultimately, the "best" state depends on your:
* Specific artistic discipline: Filmmakers might prioritize California, while sculptors might find a different state more appealing based on studio access and community.
* Career goals: Teaching might lead to a preference for states with strong university art programs, while gallery representation might favor major metropolitan areas.
* Personal preferences: Cost of living, climate, and overall lifestyle all play a crucial role.
Researching specific cities *within* these states is crucial. For example, within California, the art scene in Los Angeles is vastly different from that in San Francisco. Similarly, Austin's arts community has a different character than that of Dallas.