Monday, December 10, 2012
12/10/2012
CT: Arts Inject $653M into State Economy
Connecticut measured up well against similarly sized states or regions studied by the report—about 83 percent higher in arts-related spending and 47 percent higher for employment.
The total spending on arts includes $455 milllion from arts organizations on artists and facilities and $197 million spent by audiences and visitors on meals sourvenirs, transportation, and lodging.
As arts organizations find their way through the tough economy, some closing along the way like the Hartford Children's Theater, this data is being held up as a strong argument for continued support for the arts.
'It's not a silver bullet,' said Randy Cohen, head of research and policy for the Americans For The Arts. 'But this data gives the arts a place at the table to be a part of sustainable economic revitalization.'
Cohen presented the state figures to the arts community at the Palace Theater on Main Street in Waterbury."
Hartford Courant 12/07/2012