Only two years after a community forum held by the Wood River Arts Alliance with other community organizations focused on what impact the arts have economically, there is proof through a comprehensive study that they can indeed generate money.
The nonprofit Wood River Arts Alliance announced Friday, July 27, the study's results showing that nonprofit arts and culture organizations bring in $6.18 million annually in economic activity in the Wood River Valley. This spending—$3.58 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $2.6 million in event-related spending by their audiences—supports 161 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $2.85 million in household income to local residents and delivers $471,000 in local and state government revenue.
"The study sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the Wood River Valley's economic well-being," said Keith Moore, executive director of the Arts Alliance.
The study, "Arts and Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences," looked at 156 communities and regions across the nation. It was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in the country. In Blaine County, participation was made possible by the Wood River Arts Alliance with additional financial support from the city of Ketchum, city of Sun Valley, Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Sun Valley Summer Symphony.
Nationally, the study revealed that total economic activity has a significant impact, generating the following:
· 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs.
· $104.2 billion in resident household income.
· $7.9 billion in local government tax revenues.
· $9.1 billion in state government tax revenues.
· $12.6 billion in federal government tax revenues.
"This study is a myth buster. Most Americans understand that the arts improve our quality of life," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "This study demonstrates that the arts are an industry that stimulates the economy in cities and towns across the country. A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive."
The "Arts & Economic Prosperity III" study also shows that nonprofit arts organizations support more jobs than accounting and auditing firms, public safety organizations, and even law firms, and just slightly fewer than elementary schools. Spending by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations provides rewarding employment for more than just artists, curators and musicians. It also directly supports builders, plumbers, accountants, printers and an array of occupations.
In the Wood River Valley, where tourism is a main industry, the study has further good news. The $103.1 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences reflects an average of $27.79 per person in spending for hotels, restaurants, parking, souvenirs, refreshments or other similar costs. Non-local attendees spend twice as much as local attendees, at $40.19 versus $19.53.
"The world-class arts that we have here in the valley are a very significant part of our economy," said Carol Waller, executive director of the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. "The arts not only draw in cultural travelers. It also enhances the overall experience for many other types of travelers. And being a dynamic, creative community is one of the reasons we all love living here."
A community forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 4, at nexStage Theater in Ketchum, to discuss the results of the study with the arts and business communities, city councils, mayors, chambers of commerce and interested community members.
Express file photo
Arts patrons view the displays at Friesen Gallery in Ketchum during a Gallery Walk event. Such events are an integral part of the valley?s arts scene.
