Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Arts Industry Generates $202.8 million in Economic Activity

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $202,798,090 in annual economic activity in Charlotte-Mecklenburg supporting 6,240 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $18.1 in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV national economic impact study. The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.

According to the study, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $101,177,294 during fiscal year 2010. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. Those dollars, in turn, generated $91,889,000 in household income for local residents and $18.1 million in local and state government revenues.

“This study validates the cultural sector and its role as a key driver in growing the local economy,” said Scott Provancher, president of the Arts & Science Council (ASC). “The results show than an investment in the arts is an investment in jobs, increased government revenue and tourism.”

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produced $135.2 billion in economic activity during 2010. This spending—$61.1 billion by nonprofit arts and culture organizations plus an additional $74.1 billion by their audiences—supported 4.1 million full-time equivalent jobs and generated $22.3 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.

“This study shines a much-needed light on the vital role the arts play in stimulating and sustaining economic development,” says Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Contrary to popular belief, the arts are a bustling industry that supports a plethora of diverse jobs, generates significant revenues for local businesses and to federal, state and local governments and provides quality of life that positions communities to compete in our 21st century creative economy.”

Arts Industry Boon for Local Businesses

In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $101,620,796 in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. What’s more, attendees from out of town often stay overnight in a local hotel. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, these dollars support 2,921 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $10,337,000 in local and state government revenues.

“This study sends a clear and welcome message: Leaders who care about community and economic development can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts,” said Curt Fochtmann ASC board chair and Carolinas market leader/tax partner, Ernst & Young. “The cultural sector is part of the business community and, along with its audiences, pumps millions of dollars into our local community, contributes to the economic health of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors.”

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. The full text of the national statistical report is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.

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Contacts

Aaron Fiedler | 704-335-3055
Krista Terrell | 704-335-3035

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