When it comes to art, Pittsburgh knows how to generate wealth.
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council this month released the findings of an economic impact study for our region that confirms what many have been saying: the arts help drive the local economy. In fact, non-profit arts in Allegheny County pump $341 million into the local economy each year to the benefit of restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses.
As an industry, the arts are among the top 10 employers in the region, supporting more than 10,192 full-time jobs regionally and generating $33.8 million in local and state government revenue .
“It confirmed what we already knew, Pittsburgh is a great arts city,” says Mitch Swain of the GPAC. “We’re a significant piece of the economic engine, and we’re a good investment. Because we make such a big economic impact, it makes sense for individuals to invest in the arts.”
Allegheny County was among 156 communities that participated in the study, compiled by the national non-profit arts lobby Americans for the Arts in Washington, D.C.The study also showed:
- Of the $341.6 million in total spending, arts and culture organizations spent $230.7 million in fiscal 2005 and arts and cultural audiences spent $110. 9 million, excluding the cost of admission.
- Allegheny County ranked slightly higher than the national median of $267 million in total spending and 8,010 in jobs.
- Visitors spend twice as much as locals on the arts ($40.19 vs. $19.53), which means more of that money stays here.
To read the report, click here.
Writer: Debra Diamond Smit
Source: Susan McLaughlin & Mitch Swain, GPAC
Image courtesy of GPAC