Local nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry, contributing to the local economy, creating employment and volunteer opportunities and attracting travelers, according to a new study of the arts in Hamilton County.
The Arts & Economics Prosperity 5 (AEP5) study that used 2015 and 2016 data concluded that the arts had a $58.1 million economic impact and supported 1,921 jobs countywide in 2015.
Conducted by the nation’s nonprofit, Americans for the Arts, AEP5 determines the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences. This is the fifth study completed and the first for Hamilton County.
“Arts-related programs are appealing to travelers, and this has been a tremendous area of growth for tourism in Hamilton County,” said Brenda Myers, Hamilton County Tourism Inc. president and CEO.
The results are from a collection of more than 1,200 intercept studies at more than 100 arts events throughout 2016, and from 2015 financial reporting by more than 20 county nonprofit arts organizations. Other findings from the AEP5 study include:
Spending by arts organizations and their patrons in Hamilton County:
- $5.6 million in state and local taxes generated
- 92,000 in volunteer hours for a donated value of $2.2 million
Patrons of arts-related programming:
- 6 percent of residents and 31.4 percent non-residents
- 6 percent of non-residents stayed overnight as part of their experience
- More than 1.3 million visits to arts events
- 2 percent of residents would have traveled elsewhere to enjoy an arts experience if one had not been available locally
- 9 percent of non-residents would have traveled elsewhere to enjoy an arts experience if one had not been available here
Myers said the study estimates that more than 12,500 hotel room nights are generated from arts travelers.
“Arts programming is the best example of our ‘great places to live and visit,’ adage,” she said. “We value that our community leaders have chosen to invest in the arts here.”
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said the city understands that many professionals now select where they live before they determine where they work. With that, the arts provide cultural and educational amenities that help attract a top-quality workforce.
“Carmel views the arts as a vital economic development tool as we seek to create a thriving world-class city able to compete globally to attract and retain businesses,” Brainard said.
Hamilton County Tourism Inc. sponsored the study’s costs, which included the participation fee, management of the project and the cost of professional surveyors.