Author: Pinto, James V.

Publication Year:

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Abstract:

When one speaks of the Arts, there appear to be certain reflex associations made by the general public. One of the more erroneous being that the Arts, in their primary appeal to the aesthetic part of man's nature, are somehow divorced from the so called real world. Locally, many people seem to feel that the Arts, while perhaps adding to the quality of life of the area, add very little to the economic vitality of Oklahoma City in these rather demanding economic times.

With this attitude prevailing, the Arts are perceived by all too many as having little if any meaning to the average citizen. With this attitude prevailing, there exists a reluctance to view the Arts as a worthy target for priority funding.

In an effort to show how much the Arts contribute to the commercial well-being of our area, we commissioned an Economic Impact of the Arts study conducted by Dr. James V. Pinto, Assistant Professor of Economics at Central State University. We feel these findings demonstrate conclusively that the Arts do indeed play a significant role in a robust Oklahoma City economy, as an employer, tax payer and generator of retail sales.

In our judgement, the dissemination of these results will, in turn, mean more widespread support from all sectors of the community. And, in so doing, enable the Arts to make an even greater contribution to both our collective quality of life and an increasingly prosperous Oklahoma City.

What do the arts mean to Oklahoma City's economy? In a word...plenty.

$33,798,134.0. That's the Grand Total of expenditures resulting from both direct and secondary expenditures. A further examination of this figure reveals an extremely vigorous arts establishment whose efforts help a healthy economy stay that way.

1. Total direct local expenditures by the arts industry, employees, patrons,
    guest artists and audiences.  $12,176,656.00.

A. Employment: 
          1. Full time....121.
          2. Part time....126.
          3. Gross wages....$2,438,862.
          4. Net wages....$2,257,440.
          5. Support jobs created....791.

     The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that
     approximately 78.4% of net wages will become consumption
     expenditures. Thus the net wage figures impact must be
     considered in these terms as well. For as checks are cashed and
     monies extended for goods and services, payroll dollars sift their
     way through the economy. Therefore, the ultimate economic
     impact of payroll alone exceeds the $2.2 million dollars figure
     (see C for figure).

B. Local expenditures by arts institutions, agencies, festivals and shows.
    $2,232,004.

    This figure represents total expenditures, less gross wages and taxes,  
    multiplied by the fraction of purchases made from local firms.

C. Direct expenditures in the local community by employees of 
    arts institutions, agencies, festivals and shows. $1,611,812.

D. Local expenditures by guest artists. $75,345.

    In 1978, 468 visiting artists pumped these dollars directly into the
    Oklahoma City economy over a period of 1,447 visiting days. The
    expenditures were made in such areas as lodging, restaurants and retail
    purchases.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Economic Impact