Author: Schultz, Sharon

Publication Year: 1979

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This report is a condensed version of Economic Impact of Arts and Cultural Institutions: Case Studies which examines the application of economic impact analysis for six cities [Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota; Saint Louis, Missouri; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Antonio, Texas; Springfield, Illinois] and describes separately for each its institutions, economy, and broader cultural community, and economic impact.

Abstract:

This report is a condensed version of Economic Impact of Arts and Cultural Institutions: Case Studies which examines the application of economic impact analysis for six cities [Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota; Saint Louis, Missouri; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Antonio, Texas; Springfield, Illinois] and describes separately for each its institutions, economy, and broader cultural community, and economic impact. In addition to summarizing figures for each city, the report provides totals of all six cities and their 49 local arts and cultural institutions on the local economy in 1977-78: Total direct economic effect: $68,661,696. Secondary economic effect: 1) business volume: $129,384,155. 2) Personal income: $49,202,463. Full-time jobs: 6,771.

The arts world has discovered a new way to explain its place in society. The arts talk economics. The financial squeeze caused by inflation and increased public demand for services has forced intensified fund raising efforts. As fund raising becomes more competitive, contributors (individual, corporate, foundation and government) ask more and tougher questions. Among other things, those in control of the purse strings want to know what impact their contributions to the arts will have on the local purse. Concurrently, arts agency boards and administrators need hard facts about economics and their audience to help make program and marketing decisions.

To the surprise of some, economic impact studies have shown that the arts play an important role in the local economy. As this report indicates, the overall impact is quite significant. Employment rates, business enterprises, the local credit base and the local government tax base are all affected by the arts. The report and analysis is primarily based upon information generated by a set of six studies of the economic impact of the arts. Four of the studies were conducted by local arts councils. The others were by a local arts alliance and a state arts agency. These organizations worked with their local arts institutions to collect the tremendous volume of data that went into this analysis. As is detailed in the full published report, the motivations, approaches, and resources of the organizations were diverse, as are the communities themselves. (p. 3). For many communities the information contained in this report will be sufficient to indicate the probable local economic impact of existing and proposed programs. For others, it may indicate the need for a local study. Whatever use is made of this report, we hope that it will contribute to an understanding of the place of the arts in the community. (p. 3).

CONTENTS
Foreword by Livingston Biddle, Jr.
Introduction by Charles F. Dambach.
What is meant by economic impact of the arts?
Why study the economic impact?
Summary of direct effects.
Summary of secondary effects.
Audience data.
Local government revenues and expenditures.
The arts in the city and the center city.
A word of caution.
Some advice on conducting an economic impact study.
Participating institutions and principal study staff.
Technical assistance.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Creative Economies