There has been a growing amount of national attention around the continuing growth of the Greater Philadelphia regional economy. A key driver for our rising national reputation is the nonprofit cultural sector. Ranked as one of the top three qualities recognized by businesses in the Chamber’s annual survey, our cultural attractions are tremendous economic assets. In our recent report, Arts, Culture, & Economic Prosperity in Greater Philadelphia (www.philaculture.org/prosperity/index.htm) the Cultural Alliance research found that the cultural sector spends $1.3 Billion annually. That spending generates 40,000 regional and returns $158 million in taxes to state and local communities.
The report captures the economic activity generated by the region’s nonprofit cultural sector including the creation of jobs, household and government income, money spent on meals, lodging and other activities related to cultural activity, and the return on public dollars invested in cultural organizations. The report also demonstrates that the general public strongly supports the sector, and participates in a variety of ways. The report had important implications as regional leaders plan for the future and citizens prepare to vote in this important election season. Specifically, our findings tell us:Arts and Culture in Greater Philadelphia is a sound investment. The 40,000 jobs generated by the cultural sector represent 10 jobs for every 1000 residents of the region. In regions similar to ours, the average is 4 jobs per thousand.
Regional residents support arts and culture, and believe in its value. Local resident attendance is 10% higher than the national average and 83% of regional residents attended an arts and cultural event last year. Additionally, 88% of attendees surveyed voted in 2004. These results demand a direct role for arts and culture in public policy at the local and regional levels. Given the importance of arts and culture to the region’s economy, development, and quality of life, the industry must be integrally connected to broader issues and planning efforts. We are planning follow up steps to the Prosperity report to ensure that these findings inform and influence the ongoing efforts to make our region stronger. How are findings relevant to your work? Let us know. We would love to hear from readers about how these implications can help increase both increase the impact of the cultural sector and help other regional development efforts.Posted by Cultural Alliance President Peggy Amsterdam Peggya@philaculture.org To download a copy of the report and review additional information, please visit www.philaculture.org.
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