The Arts Mean Business
Study Shows $2.15 Billion Spent on Arts in Region

July/August 2007

The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a $2.15 billion industry in Greater Washington — one that supports 45,175 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $163.78 million in local and state government revenue.

“Because of this study, the arts will be at the table when important decisions are being made by elected officials and economic development representatives in our region,” said David Robertson, executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, which co-sponsored the study with the CAGW. “These numbers will strengthen arts organizations and arts advocates who are leveraging support for the arts.”

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $1.21 billion each year, leverage a remarkable $935.24 million in additional spending by arts and culture audiences-spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses. By demonstrating that investing in arts and culture yields economic benefits, Arts & Economic Prosperity III lays to rest the common misconception that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support arts and culture not only enhance their quality of life, they also invest in their economic well-being.

An analysis of in-kind contributions shows more than 32,000 volunteers donated close to 2 million hours of service to Greater Washington's nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Valued at approximately $33 million, this voluntarism has an enormous impact on the nonprofit arts industry.

This information was released at a press conference on June 11 at the Embassy of Canada, attended by 88 arts leaders from throughout the Washington region. The complete report can be downloaded here.

- Rebecca Mills