State Impact Report Shows Nonprofit Arts and Culture Generated $933.3 Million in Economic Activity

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

As we work to transform the historic Rialto theater into the Rialto Center for Creativity, we’re learning from the experiences of other creative arts centers in New Jersey and around the country. While each one is different in mission, location, and size, there are important lessons to learn from each. This month, we’re looking at the economic impact of these centers on the local, state, and national levels. 

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) impact study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, reported that America’s national nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry. State by state, the impact is felt, too. In a recent report on Wisconsin’s economy, AEP6 found that in the nonprofit arts and culture sector, organizations spent $437.1 million, their audiences spent $496.2 million, and the sector generated over 15,000 jobs. The impact of the arts was not just financial—it strengthened the fabric of the community. Over 80% of respondents felt that the events, activities, and venues they attended were “a source of neighborhood pride for the community." Almost 90% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available." Regardless of whether you’re on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between, creativity-focused organizations have a substantial social and economic impact on the arts. Read more about how creativity is paying dividends for Wisconsin in the AEP6 report.