Arts and Culture generate $122 million in San Jose

The newly released Arts and Economic Prosperity IV study shows that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated a total of $122,627,881 in annual economic activity in the City of San Jose - supporting 2,809 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $8,782,000 in local and state government revenues. As those who have read my blog and articles before know I believe that when the demand problems can be overcome the Arts are one of the best ways to grow an economy. Further “This study highlights that the Arts are an important sector in our strong economy,” said Kim Walesh, Director of Economic Development. “San Jose residents, visitors and workers are actively engaging in the arts, which will continue to play a pivotal role in being a driving force in our economy’s resurgence.” Despite the significant impacts of the recession, the San Jose nonprofit arts sector has demonstrated growth in economic impact, attendance, audience spending, and its support of jobs. The economic impact of San Jose’s nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences is up by 19% since the last study five years ago; growing from $103,241,195 to $122,627,887. Attendance is up 5%, from 1,887,002 to 1,990,641. The average event participant is spending $24.09, up from $21.03. And, the number of full time jobs supported by the nonprofit arts sector is up from 2,348 to 2,809. “Even in this recession, the arts industry has demonstrated how it can be a significant player in San Jose’s robust economy,” said Kerry Adams Hapner, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Our cultural scene creates a visible and tangible sense of place for San Jose, a global epicenter, where people connect through the arts.” The nonprofit arts and culture industry in San Jose leverages $49,348,167 in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. What’s more, attendees from out of town often stay overnight in a local hotel. Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produced $135.2 billion in economic activity during 2010. This spending—$61.1 billion by nonprofit arts and culture organizations plus an additional $74.1 billion by their audiences— supported 4.1 million full-time equivalent jobs and generated $22.3 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.

Above image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dolce_Hayes_Mansion_at_dusk.jpg