Irving’s Nonprofit Arts & Culture Industry Generates $25.5mm in Economic Activity; Supports 1,000+ Jobs Annually According to Americans for the Arts Study
IRVING, TEXAS. — The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $25.5 million in annual economic activity in Irving, Texas, supporting 1,031 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $2.6 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 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 5 was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.
Irving’s Investment in the Arts Shows Great Returns
Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $24.2 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. Those dollars, in turn, generated $20.2 million in household income for local residents and more than $1 million in local and state government revenues.
“Art, like water, raises all ships. The data from the Arts and Economic Prosperity study proves that the impact of the arts in Irving goes beyond the benefits of community engagement and quality of life, it bolsters the economic well-being of our city, says Todd Eric Hawkins, Executive Director of the City of Irving’s Department of Arts & Culture. “The arts not only builds metaphorical bridges in the community, it literally contributes to building bridges in Irving.”
National Impact of the Arts
Nationwide, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $63.8 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues. In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs and generates $27.5 billion in government revenue.
“This study demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live. Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.”
Arts Industry Boon for Local Businesses
In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $1.3 million in event-related spending by its audiences. That spending pumps vital revenue into restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other local businesses. In Irving, these dollars support 1,031 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $2.6 million in local and state government revenues.
Methodology, Participation, and Regional Announce (June 28)
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 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. Financial information from organizations was collected in partnership with DataArts™, using a new online survey interface. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners.
On Wednesday, June 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Dallas City Performance Hall the public is invited to a regional announcement of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study. The event is hosted by the Business Council for the Arts, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Dallas Arts District as well as local partners: Irving Arts Center/Irving Department of Arts & Culture, the City of Richardson, the Arts Council of Fort Worth, and the Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater. The event is free to attend but registration is required. Visit ntbca.org for more information.
ABOUT IRVING ARTS CENTER / DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Irving Arts Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is now part of City of Irving’s Department of Arts and Culture. Irving Arts Center alone hosts approximately 1,400 events annually, including 200+ performances and 25+ exhibitions, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors. Parking is free and the facility is open daily. For more information, call (972) 252-7558 or visit www.IrvingArtsCenter.com.
