C.O. arts, culture sector has $34.7 million economic impact

The Central Oregon non-profit arts and culture sector is a $34.7 million industry — one that supports 968 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $2.4 million in local and state government revenue, according to the new Arts and Economic Prosperity Economic Impact Study.

This is the fifth year that Americans for the Arts launched the study and the first time for Central Oregon. The regional study was supported by Central Oregon Arts and Culture Alliance (ACA) and the Oregon Arts Commission. “We were very pleased with local participation in the study and happy with the results. This proves that Central Oregon arts and culture has a significant impact on our local economy,” said Kevin Barclay, ACA Chair.

Nonprofit arts and culture spending in Central Oregon was $10 million in 2015. The return on that investment was a whopping $25 million which, was pumped into the local economy via hotels, restaurants, retail stores and other local businesses.

“This proves that local arts and culture not only enhances our quality of life they also have a significant economic impact in the region.” the alliance’s announcement said.

Furthermore, arts means business. The study proves that spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations is far-reaching. They pay their employees, lease spaces, purchase supplies and much more. This is invested back into the community and helps Central Oregon thrive.

Nationally, the study reports, the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $27.54 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue. In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs and generates $96 billion in household income.

The Central Oregon Arts and Culture Alliance will be providing presentations on the study throughout the summer. In the fall, the Oregon Arts Commission invited Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts Vice President of Research and Policy, to speak in Bend. Please contact the ACA if you have questions about the study or want to attend an upcoming presentation on the topic.

More information regarding the AEP5 survey can be found here at Americans for the Arts

The Arts and Culture Alliance of Central Oregon Is made up of over 50 arts and culture organizations, non-profits, and individuals working together to promote, enhance & expand arts & culture in Central Oregon. https://www.artsandcultureco.org/