Nonprofit Arts Add $344 Million to the Economy
Oct. 9, 2002
A new economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, a national arts service organization, reveals that the Valley's nonprofit arts industry pours nearly $344 million annually into the local economy.
The Phoenix Arts Commission organized a coalition of local art agencies in several Valley cities to collaborate as research partners for the Maricopa County component of the national study entitled Arts & Economic Prosperity, the most comprehensive study of this kind conducted to date. Americans for the Arts collected detailed data from 111 Valley arts and cultural organizations and 1,400 audience members.
The report concluded that in the year 2000, Valley arts organizations and their audiences contributed nearly $344 million to the economy and generated $34.6 million in tax revenue for local and state government. In addition, these groups and their audiences support more than 11,000 jobs and generate $245 million in household income.
"The study demonstrates the importance of continued support of the arts by local government, corporations and foundations even during challenging economic times," said Phil Jones, Phoenix Arts Commission director. "Investment in the arts yields a powerful return to our economy."
In addition to the Phoenix Arts Commission, other local agencies participating in the national study included the city of Mesa Arts and Cultural Division, Scottsdale Cultural Council, city of Tempe Cultural Services, Arizona State University Public Events, Chandler Center for the Arts, and West Valley Fine Arts Council.
Economists from the Georgia Institute of Technology used data collected in 91 communities throughout the country to provide nationwide economic impact figures for the nonprofit arts industry. At the national level, nonprofit arts groups generated $134 billion in total economic activity and more than $24 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues.
To obtain detailed Valleywide study results, call the Phoenix Arts Commission
at 602-262-4637. To see the full text of the national report, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org
on the Internet.
Media Contact:
| Christiana Ferris |
602-262-6169 |
| Dwight Walth |
602-495-0188 |
