Study: Arts, culture make $1.7B impact statewide

Missouri's nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $1.725 billion in economic activity in 2022, according to a study released yesterday.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 economic and social impact study was conducted by the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts, in partnership with state and regional arts organizations, according to a news release from the Missouri Arts Council.

The economic impact on the state comprises roughly $1.136 billion in spending by arts organizations and $589 million in event-related spending by arts audiences. The industry has 13,356 jobs and generates nearly $14.1 million in local, state and federal government revenue, according to the release.

"The study confirms what Missouri has long appreciated – the arts create stronger economies and more vibrant communities," said Michael Donovan, Missouri Arts Council executive director, in the release. "The state of Missouri is more innovative and resourceful when the arts thrive."

The study also analyzed the impact of arts as a tourism driver: 30% of arts and culture attendees in Missouri were from outside the county where the activity occurred. Attendees spent an average of $60.57 a person per event attended in the community, including at restaurants, retail shops and on lodging, according to the release. Local attendees spent an average of $29.77 a person per event in the community. These figures don’t include the cost of admission to arts events.

"The arts have a profound impact on our state's cultural, educational and economic vitality," said Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, in the release. "We're proud to promote Missouri as a great place to live, work and visit, and the arts play an important role in Missouri's tourism industry."

The AEP6 study finds that America's nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry, supporting 2.6 million jobs and generating $29.1 billion in government revenue. In 2017, the last time the study was conducted, the industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity.

Across the U.S., arts organizations in 373 study regions participated in survey collection of patrons for the Arts & Economic Prosperity study, which was the sixth of its kind. The last study was conducted in 2017.

Findings specific to the Springfield region are set to be released next week, according to Springfield Regional Arts Council officials. Check back at SBJ.net for coverage.