Nearly $1 million will support local arts in 2018 . . .
The City of Carmel has awarded 29 local arts organizations with $990,450 in the initial round of grants from the City’s 2018 Arts Grant Program. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the City of Carmel’s financial support for local arts, which amounts to roughly one percent of the city budget each year. Since 2004, more than $10.2 million has been allocated to support local arts programs.
“It has long been part of our mission as a City to improve the quality of life, helping us to attract new economic development and private investments in our city. We have done this by building the framework for a community that values the arts,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “As part of that strategy, it is important to support our local arts groups, which are worthy of public support. Studies by the Americans for the Arts show typical visitors to an event spend close to $30 per person, per event, in addition to the cost of admission. That’s money spent at our local restaurants, art galleries and other businesses.”
Tourism supports more than 14,000 jobs in Hamilton County and accounts for $402.7 million in total wages and proprietor income for jobs in retail, arts and entertainment, as well as transportation, according to Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. Tourism spending contributes more than $661 million in local economic impact (GDP) with 90 cents of that staying in Hamilton County.