Author: Massachusetts Governor's Task Force on the Arts and Humanities

Publication Year: 1972

Media Type: Report

Summary:

The following report details what we believe the role of government should be in relation to the arts. Our recommendations are based in part on hard statistics on the state of the arts in Massachusetts from a study conducted by Becker Research Corporation under contract to the Council on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of Commerce and Development. The summary of this study is reprinted in Section II. Becker Research Corporation's report confirms not only the public and economic contributions made by the nonprofit arts and humanities, but also the simple fact that these organizations have become poor in serving us.

Abstract:

The following report details what we believe the role of government should be in relation to the arts. Our recommendations are based in part on hard statistics on the state of the arts in Massachusetts from a study conducted by Becker Research Corporation under contract to the Council on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of Commerce and Development. The summary of this study is reprinted in Section II. Becker Research Corporation's report confirms not only the public and economic contributions made by the nonprofit arts and humanities, but also the simple fact that these organizations have become poor in serving us.

The following information reported by Becker Research Corporation is based on the 285 organizations surveyed for 1972. Arts and humanities organizations contribute substantially to the economy of Massachusetts: Total financial impact on the state's economy exceeded $71 million last year. Over 10,300 were employed by the arts and humanities with a payroll of $31.5 million. The arts and humanities pump an additional $39.5 million into the economy through the purchase of goods and services and capital outlay.

They provide a multitude of services to the people of Massachusetts: Continuous exhibitions are provided to the public by 113 museums. 7,785 performances of music, dance, and theatre were offered in 1972. Arts and humanities organizations conducted workshops, classes, lectures, intern and training programs for the public, students, hospitals, prisons and other institutions.

These services are at a price within reach of everyone: 6,835,314 visitors out of a total of 13,070,242 were admitted free. 61% of organizations offer free admission or paid admission for less than $1; 77% for less than $2. Arts and humanities organizations have become poor in serving the public. 142 organizations had a total net deficit of $3.9 million in 1972.

CONTENTS
Section I. Report of the Task Forces:

Task force on financing the arts and humanities.
Task force on educational opportunities in the arts and humanities.
Task force on accessibility of the arts and humanities.
Task force on arts and cultural facilities.
List of recommendations.
Appendices:
     A. Council on the arts and humanities income, Fiscal years 1967-73.
     B. Council on the arts and humanities organizations served, 1967-73.
     C. Council on the arts and humanities communities served, 1967-73.
     D. participants in regional meetings

Section II: A study of the economics of nonprofit arts and humanities organizations in
                the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by Becker Research Corporation.

Foreword.
Introduction to the study universe.
Technical note.
Executive summary of the findings.
The findings in brief.
How the arts and humanities contribute.
How the public supports the arts and humanities.
The deficit problem.
Universe of organizations.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Economic Impact