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| TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST |
| Arts & Science Council President Krista Terrell. |
Mecklenburg County’s arts and culture community generated more than $450 million in economic activity in 2022, according to a new report.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study found the nonprofit arts and culture sector produced $453.8 million in economic activity in 2022. The economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts revealed 217.8 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $235.9 million in event-related spending by audiences. Those activities supported 6,815 jobs and generated $81.4 million in local, state, and federal revenue.
“We’ve long understood the social benefits of arts and culture, from building community and strengthening pre-K-12 education to increasing social capital and improving health and wellbeing,” ASC President Krista Terrell said in a statement. “This study not only drives home those values – it also underpins the economic argument for robust support of the arts and culture sector in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s AEP6 study showed:
• The typical attendee spends $43.36 per event, not including the cost of admission.
• One-third of arts and culture attendees lived outside Mecklenburg County and spent an average of $61.27.
• 88.7% of attendees agree that the activity or venue where they were surveyed “is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community,” while 81.9% agree that “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”
AEP6’s methodology documents economic and social contributions of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the U.S. and includes arts and culture spending as an economic driver on a local and national scale.
Nationally, the study found that the U.S. nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry that generates $29.1 billion in government revenue and supports 2.6 million jobs.
“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer,” said Nolen Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents. When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”
AEP6 set up new benchmarks in tracking arts and culture impact. For the first time, the study went beyond economic and financial data to include social impact measurements on the well-being of communities and residents. It also prioritized equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. The study expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing communities of color.
The study’s authors believe the findings should initiate and boost fair and proportional funding support for organizations in previously neglected communities.
The report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.