PHX Reporter

Phoenix's nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $449.9 million in economic activity based on data collected from 2022-2023.

In partnership with the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture has released the findings for the local results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study.

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The economic activity of $449.9 supported 7,686 jobs, provided $323.5 million in personal income to residents, and generated $92.5 million in local, state, and federal government tax revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts announced a statewide report showing that the state's nonprofit arts and culture sector generated a staggering $1.1 billion in economic activity. Phoenix's impact makes up 41% of that total.

"In Phoenix, not only is the arts and culture sector deeply embedded in our city's societal fabric, but it is also a key economic driver that creates new jobs and generates important tax revenues," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "We are proud to be an arts city where more than five million residents and visitors annually participate in our nonprofit arts and culture programs. As our city continues to grow, arts and culture are a vital part of our commitment to creating more connected and enriched communities."

The results put the role of the arts in Phoenix as an economic driver into perspective. The $59.35 per person per event spent is 35% higher than the $38.46 national average and helps show that arts and culture drive commerce to local businesses.

"We are thrilled to see the arts and culture sector support the economy in an impactful way! Phoenix's overall activity is up since AEP5, and that's great given what the field has been through over the past few years," said Mitch Menchaca, director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. "However, what's striking is that our cultural workforce is down by half since our last study, which shows our arts and culture nonprofits are doing a lot with fewer resources."

Key figures from the Phoenix AEP6 study include:

•    Phoenix's nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $266.7 million in event-related spending by its audiences.

•    30.1% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county where the activity occurred. They spent an average of $78.42. All vital income for local merchants.

•    89.6% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they attended was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community."

•    87.6% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available."

By measuring arts and culture's wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America's nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

"Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents," said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities."

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is hosting a December 5 media and community event at the Phoenix Theatre Company from 9:30-11:00 a.m. to share in-depth findings with Randy Cohen, vice president of research at Americans for the Arts, as well as local community leaders and participating arts and culture organizations. Learn more about the findings, the event, and the overall project at phoenix.gov/arts/aep.

The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each community can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. Americans for the Arts is a leading national nonprofit organization advancing arts and arts education.

Keywords: arts, art, culture, report

Original source can be found here.