According to 2005 edition of "THE 100 BEST ART TOWNS IN AMERICA: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging, and Dining" from The Countryman Press, Brattleboro makes the grade and is included.
We're technically in category named "Top Ten Art Towns with populations less than 30,000" which includes, in order, Ashland, Oregon; Provincetown, Massachusetts; Taos, New Mexico; Northampton, Massachusetts; Aspen, Colorado; Eureka, California; Marfa, Texas; Salt Spring Island, British Columbia; and little old Brattleboro, Vermont.
The author of the book is John Villani and is Director of Communications for the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The book is billed as "part guidebook for travelers and part relocation guide for those on the move" indicating that a vibrant arts scene in Brattleboro can increase tourism and attract businesses that value the arts.