Click here to download Arts & Economic Prosperity IV
The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in the city of Atlanta, GA.
“We have always known that the arts and cultural organizations contribute to the quality of life, but the findings in the report show that the arts also significantly impact the economic vitality of our City,” said Office of Cultural Affairs Executive Director, Camille Love.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a $300 million industry in the City of Atlanta one that supports 9,424 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $27.5 million in local and state government revenue.
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $168.1 million each year, leverage a remarkable $131.9 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 proving that investing in the arts and culture yields economic benefits, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV lays to rest the misconception that communities support the arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture not only enhance their quality of life they also invest in their economic well-being.
This report shows conclusively that the arts mean business in the City of Atlanta! The impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations is far reaching: they pay their employees, purchase supplies, and acquire assets within the local community. Additionally, unlike most industries, the nonprofit arts and culture leverage significant event-related spending by their audiences. Whether serving the local community or out-of-town visitors, a vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive.
In addition to the study, Americans for the Arts has created a convenient Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Calculator which is a free and simple tool that makes it possible for you to estimate the economic impact of your nonprofit arts and culture organization—or even your entire nonprofit arts community. These estimates are based on research findings from the 182 study regions that were part of Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, Americans for the Arts’ national economic impact study of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.
Before you use this calculator we ask that you learn more about these estimates, which are based on similarly populated communities and have a range of accuracy.
About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
About the Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) was established in 1974 to encourage and support Atlanta’s cultural resources. The initial mission was to solidify the role that arts and other cultural resources play in defining and enhancing the social fabric and quality of life of Atlanta citizens.
Today the OCA understands that the arts play an essential role in defining the cultural vitality of the city and is working to enhance Atlanta’s reputation as a cultural destination. The OCA aims to provide programs that contribute substantially to the city’s economy and quality of life.
The Office of Cultural Affairs’ programming is executed in four key areas: Arts and Education Services, Contracts for Arts Services, Performing Arts, and Public Art. The OCA also manages the Chastain Arts Center/City Gallery at Chastain and Gallery 72.