YORK COUNTY, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – The Arts Council of York County‘s favorite color right now is green as a new report is revealing just how much the arts community means financially to our area.

According to an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, York County nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $40.3 million in economic activity in 2022. Officials say that number shows that activity is up from the $27 million impact in 2016.

The Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County, Lori Robishaw, said “The findings from this study show robust arts and cultural activity in York County, which is especially noteworthy given we are such a close neighbor to a city the size of Charlotte.”

Here are the key figures from York County’s economic impact: 

• York County, SC’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $23.2 million in event-related spending by its audiences.
• The typical attendee spends $37.86 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
• 7% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $66.43. All vital income for local merchants.

The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.