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Economic Impact of the Arts

 

 

The data presented on this page was developed through significant studies executed by the Americans for the Arts over a number of years. This data is reported and discussed in the Arts & Economic Prosperity III Report (2007). A summary of the report (24 pgs) or the full report (300 pgs) can be downloaded from the Americans for the Arts website at www.americansforthearts.org.

 

NDEO's summary of key points from the report are provided below.

Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry

Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year -- $63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. The impact of this activity is significant, supporting 5.7 million U.S. jobs and generating $29.6 billion in government revenue.

   
Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts & Culture Industry
(expenditures by organizations and audiences)

 

Total Expenditures 

$ 166.2 billion 

Full-Time Equivalent Jobs

      5.7 million

Resident Household Income

$ 104.2 billion

Local Government Revenue $    7.9 billion
State Government Revenue $    9.1 billion
Federal Income Tax Revenue $  12.6 billion

 
Growth of the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry

 

Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry grew from $134 billion to $166.2 billion between 2002 and 2005, a 24% increase. Spending by organizations increased from $53.2 billion in 2000 to $63.1 billion in 2005, almost a 19% increase. Spending on arts and culture events increased from $80.8 billion in 2000 to $103.1 billion in 2005, a 28% increase.

 

Growth of the Nonprofit Arts & Culture Industry
(expenditure by organizations and audiences)
 

Year

Organizations' Expenditures

Audience Expenditures

2005

$ 631.1 billion $ 103.1 billion

2000

$   53.2 billion $   80.8 billion

1992

$   36.8 billion

 

Contributions to the Business Community

 

Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture sector contribute to the business community as employers, producers, consumers, and members of chambers of commerce. As a business themselves, nonprofit arts and culture organizations contribute to cities and regions through marketing and promotion. Nationally, in 2005, spending by the arts and culture sector was estimated at $63.1 billion which supported 2.6 million U.S. jobs and provided $57.3 billion in household income and generated $13.2 billion in total government revenue.

 

 

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