The following data is taken from the 2007 study. If you are looking for the most updated numbers, please visit our current Arts & Economic Prosperity IV. For data points from Arts & Economic Prosperity I or II, please contact us at [email protected].

Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences documents the key role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry in strengthening our nation’s economy. This study demonstrates that the nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities—a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.

Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year—$63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. The study is the most comprehensive study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted. It documents the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in 156 communities and regions (116 cities and counties, 35 multicounty regions, and five states), and represents all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The $166.2 billion in total economic activity has a significant national impact, generating the following:

  • 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs
  • $104.2 billion in household income
  • $7.9 billion in local government tax revenues
  • $9.1 billion in state government tax revenues
  • $12.6 billion in federal income tax revenues

Our Arts & Economic Prosperity studies continue to be among the most frequently cited statistics used to demonstrate the impact of the nation’s nonprofit arts industry on the local, state, and national economy.

Download the Reports

Highlights Pamphlet

Brochure with Study Highlights
Download (PDF, 1.55 MB, 5 pages) 

Summary Report

Summary Report with Background, Scope, and Methodology
Download (PDF, 7.2 MB, 24 page) 

National Report

National Report with Data Tables and Survey Instruments
Download (PDF, 2,18 MB, 300 pages)

 

Make the Case for Arts Support in Your Community

Resources for the Media

Selected Press Coverage of Arts & Economic Prosperity III

See More Press Coverage

National Partners

The following national organizations partner with Americans for the Arts to help public- and private-sector leaders understand the economic and social benefits that the arts bring to their communities, states, and the nation.

Committee Encouraging Corporate PhilanthropyThe United State Conference of MayorsNational Lieutenant Governors AssociationNational League of Cities

Grantmakers in the ArtsNational Conference of State LegislatorsNational Association of Counties


Need more information? Have questions? Want to conduct an economic impact study in your community?
E-mail or call us at 202.371.2830.