An interesting conversation popped up on the ASI Twitter page the other day about the potential economic impact of building a new Bills stadium. We have no horse in the race about stadium plans, but that conversation did lead to someone asking us about the economic impact of the arts in Western New York and that is something that we know plenty about.
In 2017, ASI and Americans for the Arts released the “Arts & Economic Prosperity 5” report which compiled data from 126 WNY arts and cultural organizations to calculate how much revenue the arts bring into the local community.
The short answer is “a lot.”
Like over $352 million, a lot. And that number is not just ticket sales – the study included other factors like job creation, audience spending on meals before a show, travel to and from the venue, child care, lodging… the list goes on!
This study is completed simultaneously across the country every 3-5 years to paint a better picture of how important the arts are in driving the American economy. Locally, we can use these numbers to advocate for greater funding from the state and national government and it allows participating organizations to get to know their audiences to better serve their needs in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw off plans to complete another of these studies in 2020 but data collection for AEP6 will soon be underway. ASI is once again sponsoring this $11,000 study for the Western New York area and is in search of organizations within Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany County who would be interested in participating.
Participation warrants no cost to the organization and a majority of the data is collected and compiled by representatives from Arts Services Inc. with budget and revenue information supplied by the organization. This is a priceless opportunity to receive valuable information while providing a service to the arts at a national level. Interested organizations can fill out this short form to receive more information.
Let’s show everyone that the arts are something to SHOUT about!
