Americans for the Arts, a national advocacy and research organization for the arts, has recently released its sixth report on Arts & Economic Prosperity (AEP6) – the largest and most inclusive study of its kind — and despite the challenges facing the arts and culture industry today, the results are impressive. Arts and cultural activity in 373 diverse communities and regions representing all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico were included in this multi-year study.
Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $151.7 billion of economic activity in 2022 — $73.3 billion in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences. The industry supported over 2.6 million jobs, provided $101 billion in personal income to residents, and generated $29.1 billion in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments.
“Mayors understand the connection between the arts industry and city revenues,” said Reno, Nevada Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Arts activity creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and generates billions in government and business revenues. The arts also make our cities destinations for tourists, help attract and retain businesses, and play an important role in the economic revitalization of cities and the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”