A report of the economic and social impact of arts and culture events on Eugene shows $123.8 million was spent in 2022 by people putting on events and those visiting them.
EUGENE, Ore. – A report from a national art advocacy group shows $123.8 million was spent in Eugene in 2022 around arts and culture, showing a community commitment to the humanities.
The “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6” report, published by the non-profit “Americans for the Arts,” provides a look at the economic and social impacts of arts and culture organizations and their audiences.
Cover of the Arts & Prosperity 6 report on Eugene.
Kelly Johnson, Executive Director of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene, an advocacy group geared at connecting local businesses to the arts, said she is excited by the findings of the study.
“It’s a really big part of our economy here in Eugene,” Johnson said.
The report said nonprofit art and culture organizations spent about $90.1 million in the community, spending money in other industries like supplies and marketing. Organizations created nearly 2,700 technician, dancer and orchestra jobs.
“If arts and culture was a single employer, like if we all gathered together, we’d be the third largest employer in Eugene,” Johnson said.
People attending performances and events spent more than $33.6 million in 2022, according to the report, supporting area businesses by dining out, staying in hotels and shopping before shows.
“When you’re downtown and there’s arts happening, the whole place seems more active,” Johnson said. “And so it’s a really great ecosystem and balance, where when there’s arts and culture, businesses thrive as well.”
Inside the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center.
She said the impact of arts on Eugene outperforms similarly-sized cities like Salem and Tacoma, Washington.
“Because we have this really robust, amazing arts and culture community, where people are producing and creating art and there’s so much of it, we have this kind of outsized economic impact as well,” Johnson said.
Over at the Hult Center, a huge focal point for arts in Eugene, staff said the report confirms the idea the city and nearby areas strongly support the arts.
“Eugene is a special place for the arts, and just a place for the arts, because people have come to realize that the arts mean an enriched life, an enriched lifestyle,” said General Manager Jeff Weinkauf.
Statues of frogs inside the Hult Center lobby.
He said a vibrant arts scene has a great economic impact not just on artists, but also for area businesses.
“Not quite 150,000 unique visitors from out of the area come here, and they tend to spend significantly more than our local folks do in the downtown and surrounding areas,” Weinkauf said. “So, it’s an economic boost.”
He said the industry in Eugene being able to provide people full-time careers in the arts is remarkable.
“To be able to come and have a career in the arts in a town this size, in a place as great as Eugene is really unique,” Weinkauf said. “And we’re a part of that and we’re glad to be.”
Visitors at the Hult Center said the arts are a huge part of the community.
“Eugene’s always had a nice vibe for the arts and for entertainment,” said longtime Eugene resident Charles Van Duyn, adding he is not surprised such a large amount of money went through the local economy for arts.
“I love the art scene in Eugene,” said resident Chuck Everard. “This is a pretty hot spot here. So I enjoy it and I’ve lived here for 45-50 years, and enjoyed every time I come down, especially to the Hult Center, and the art scene downtown Eugene.”
First floor lobby of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene.
The survey also gauged people’s opinions on the value of art.
“Over 90% of people said that the arts community and having this vibrant arts community fills them with pride,” Johnson said. “It makes them proud to live in Eugene because we have this here.”
She added having local options for art is a huge benefit.
For Eugene Ballet performer Mark Tucker, the local support for the arts means a lot.
“Both my wife and have been with the company for 16 seasons now, we’re both principal dancers,” he said.
Tucker and his wife laid down roots in Eugene in 2019, citing their love for the community and the work they do. He joked they would be in prime position to support their two young sons in the performing arts if that is what they wanted to do. He said the Eugene community is a big part of the ballet company.
Mark Tucker, principal dancer with the Eugene Ballet Company, performing.
“Our arts are local,” Tucker said. “All of the dancers with Eugene Ballet are local residents. The talent is attracted to the city, and we produce what I feel is competitive on a national stage.”
He said the fact millions are spent on art in the city is not surprising, given the high-quality work of area artists. Tucker is grateful for the support of audiences coming out to see their performances.
“It’s become more and more clear to me that the art isn’t just a powerful tool for reflection, or kind of reflecting the society that it exists in, but it is a direct result of a very successful and thriving community,” he said.
Ticket counter inside the Hult Center.