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June 7, 2007

Study: How nonprofit arts groups feed Providence

PROVIDENCE -- Calling the results “amazing,” exciting” and “extraordinary,” city officials today unveiled the findings of a national study showing that local arts and cultural organizations pump more than $110 million annually into the state’s economy.

The study, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts, also found that nonprofit arts and cultural groups supported nearly 3,000 full-time jobs and generated more than $11 million in state and local tax revenues.

The study also found that nonprofit arts and cultural groups contribute far more to the local economy than the national average.

The figures were especially striking when Providence was compared to other cities of similar size. Based on data supplied by 56 cities and counties with populations between 100,000 and 250,000, Providence’s nonprofit arts and cultural sector ranked second in total spending ($112 million), third in number of full-time jobs (2,759) and second in state and local tax revenues ($11.1 million).

That was far ahead of cities such as Orlando, Fla., Burlington, Vt., Lincoln, Neb. and, and Santa Cruz, Calif. Only Pasadena, Calif., ranked higher in overall arts-related spending ($180 million) and tax revenue ($16 million).

Speaking to an audience of local arts and business leaders at the just-opened Renaissance Providence Hotel, city arts and tourism director Lynne McCormack said the study “busts the myth” that nonprofit arts groups don’t contribute much to the local economy.

“If nothing else, this should put an end to the idea that ‘nonprofit’ means ‘no money,’” McCormack declared. “It’s often said that the arts are good for your soul. This study shows that they’re also good for the economy.”

-- Journal arts writer Bill Van Siclen

McCormack’s boss, Mayor David N. Cicilline, also praised the study, although he warned against taking its findings for granted.

“Whether it’s seeing a play at Trinity Rep, a listening to a concert at Vets Auditorium or spending an evening out at WaterFire, we know that arts and cultural events contribute both to our quality of life and to our economy,” Cicilline said. “But simply knowing that the arts are a good thing isn’t enough. If we want them to remain vibrant, we need to continue and even increase our investment in the arts.”

Extra: Take a look at the study's report for Providence.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:41 PM | Permalink

June 7, 2007

Study: How nonprofit arts groups feed Providence

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