(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The Allied Arts Council in St. Joseph announced on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, that during the 2022 fiscal year, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Buchanan County generated $20 million in economic activity. 

The results of the economic activity were founded during the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study conducted by American for the Arts. 

The AEP6 shows that over $9 million was spent by nonprofit arts and culture organizations, over $10 million in events was spent and supported 374 jobs which then generated over $1 million in revenue. 

The AEP study is conducted every five years and has been around for 30 years. 

The President of the National Association of Counties and Commissioner of Ramsey County, Minnesota, Mary Jo McGuire said, “AEP6 reminds us that vibrant arts and cultural assets exist in every corner of the country. The data paints a vivid picture of how the arts enhance our community prosperity and our residents’ quality of life.”

McGuire continued, “By supporting and investing in the arts, counties play an important role in strengthening our communities today and for generations to come. We appreciate our partnership with Americans for the Arts, especially as we continue to demonstrate the value of our artistic and cultural endeavors.”

The executive director of the Allied Arts Council Teresa Fankhauser said, “Audiences demonstrate appreciation for the impact of arts and culture. In Buchanan County, 91% of survey respondents said the activity or venue inspires a sense of pride in our community.” 

Fankhauser continued, “The arts are an economic engine and a cornerstone of tourism, but more importantly, the arts and cultural non-profit organizations in Buchanan County lift up our community, providing important creative opportunities for expression and exploration.”