Arts Industry Returns $9.5 Million in Revenue to Local and State Coffers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $94.7 million in annual economic activity in Wichita, KS — supporting 2,841 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $9.5 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national economic impact study. The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.
Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $43.9 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. These dollars in combination with audience spending, generated $70.9 million in household income for residents and $9.5 million in local and state government revenues.
Mayor Jeff Longwell is quoted as saying, "The Arts are integral to Wichita. The Arts enhance our cultural opportunities and quality of life, but they also provide a significant contribution to our city's economy. From seeing a Broadway-quality production from Music Theatre of Wichita or participating in a gallery crawl on Final Friday, the arts scene is alive and well in Wichita, and we look forward to even more to come."
Nationwide, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $27.5 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues. In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs.
"This study demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts." A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live. Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business."
Arts Industry Boon for Local Businesses
In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Wichita leverages an average of $21.07 in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs and pay a babysitter. What's more, attendees from out of town often stay overnight in a local hotel.
Martha Linsner, President, Arts Council, Inc., was quoted as saying, "On behalf of the Arts Council, Inc. Board of Directors, I want to thank everyone who participated in the collection of data to make this report possible. Arts and culture organizations and the staff of the City of Wichita Arts & Cultural Division spent endless hours gathering survey responses from willing patrons. The results speak volumes regarding the economic impact that arts and culture make in Wichita. As a community, we can shout, "Arts Save Cities." As an Arts Council, we will continue to do our part to advance and promote arts and culture in the Wichita community through advocacy, leadership, education and collaboration. To become a member and help us meet our mission, visit wichitaarts.org."
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts' local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. Financial information from organizations was collected in partnership with DataArts™, using a new online survey interface. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners.
