Friday, August 11, 2017

Study: Arts and culture generate $5.4 million annually in Joplin

(From Connect2Culture)

 The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $5.4 million in annual economic activity in the City of Joplin, supporting 191 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $452,000 in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) national economic impact study. AEP5 is the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, and spearheaded locally by Connect2Culture.

“This study’s findings put to rest a misconception that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.” – Emily Frankoski, Community Arts Director, Connect2Culture.

Results show that nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are businesses in their own right. They spent $1.8 million during fiscal year 2015 to employ people locally, purchase goods and services from local establishments, and attract tourists. They also leveraged a remarkable $3.6 million in additional spending by cultural audiences—spending that pumps vital revenue into restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other local businesses.

“We want people to know that there is a direct economic impact from what we are doing as a community with all of our arts organizations and cultural efforts. We do bring business to Joplin. We help to attract businesses and retain employees…this is a celebration!” – Clifford Wert, President & CFO, Connect2Culture.

Nationally, the nonprofit arts industry generated $166.3 billion of economic activity in 2015—$63.8 billion in spending by arts and cultural organizations and an additional $102.5 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences. This activity supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in revenue to local, state, and federal governments.

“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 leverages $3.6 million 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. In the City of Joplin, these dollars support 191 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $452,000 in local and state government revenues.

“I think it is vital that the cultural community and arts in our City continue to grow and thrive…I am really excited to see the future impact of culture and arts growth in the community of Joplin and the incredible benefit it not only brings from an entertainment value for the citizens, but an incredible economic impact.” – Mayor Mike Seibert, City of Joplin.

“We have a baseline to look at now with AEP5 and if we can continue to build that, and I think we can, then it not only makes our community a more attractive place for people to live, for people to move to, and for companies to attract talent and create more jobs.” – Rob O’Brian, President, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Over the course of 2016, Connect2Culture participated, on behalf of the City of Joplin, in Americans for the Arts fifth economic impact study of the nation's nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences – also known as "Arts & Economic Prosperity 5." A press conference was held Friday, August 11, 2017, 10:00am at Joplin City Hall (602 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64801) to unveil the results. Results of the study reveal the level of economic activity as well as the number of full-time jobs the arts industry in Joplin generates. The study’s findings also show how much tax revenues the nonprofit arts sector produces for the City of Joplin and the State of Missouri.
 
Additional Resources:

- Link to Facebook Live footage: 
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