Arts Economic Impact Study

Joins Americans for the Arts' National Study of the Economic Impact of Spending
by Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Boise, ID - The Department of Arts & History (A&H) today announced it has joined Arts & Economic Prosperity IV™. The research study, which is being conducted by Americans for the Arts, America's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, will evaluate the impact spending by nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences have on their local economies. As one of 200 study partners across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, A&H will facilitate the gathering of detailed economic and event attendance data from nonprofit arts and culture organizations located throughout Boise. In addition, A&H will collaborate with the community's other arts organizations to collect surveys from at least 800 arts and culture attendees in Boise during 2011. Arts & Economic Prosperity IV will allow us to evaluate the impact of the recession on the employment and government revenues that are generated by the nonprofit arts industry. We expect that the findings will demonstrate that the arts remain a formidable industry in spite of our country's recent economic challenges.

Customized findings for Boise will demonstrate the impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences on the economy. Specifically, the study's results will include:

    • The total dollars spent by's nonprofit arts and culture organizations.
    • The total dollars spent by audiences as a direct result of their attendance at arts and culture events.
    • The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by arts spending.
    • The amount of resident, household income-including salaries and wages-generated by arts spending.
    • The amount of local and state government tax revenues generated by arts spending.

Terri Schorzman, director of the Department of Arts & History, noted the importance of participating in this study, particularly during the economic downturn. "We hope to validate the beneficial economic role of our arts and cultural organizations. This information is important when considering the broader value of a strong and well-supported cultural community and how they contribute to the quality of life in Boise."

According to Americans for the Arts most recent national study, the national nonprofit arts industry generated 5.7 million jobs and $166.2 billion in total economic activity during 2005, resulting in $29.6 billion in federal, state and local government revenues. The $166.2 billion total included $63.1 billion in spending by arts organizations and $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences on items such as meals, local transportation and overnight lodging. Complete details about the 2005 study are available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact

Boise participated in the ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY STUDY in 2005 and 2000 under the aegis of the former Boise City Arts Commission. In 2005, the total industry expenditures for arts and culture organizations and audiences were slightly over $38 million for the Boise area; the industry employed over 1200 local residents.

"Our Arts & Economic Prosperity studies demonstrate that the arts are a formidable industry that stimulates the economy in cities and towns across the country," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive. Still, much has changed since our last study as a result of the economic downturn. Arts & Economic Prosperity IV will allow us to evaluate the impact the recession has had on employment and government revenues that are generated by the nonprofit arts industry."
Americans for the Arts' Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study is supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. In addition, Americans for the Arts' local and statewide project partners are contributing both time and financial support to the study.

About Us:
The Department of Arts and History was established by City Ordinance in March 2008 to enhance the Boise community by providing leadership, advocacy, education, services, and support for arts and history. The new Department emerged from the former Boise City Arts Commission, which was established by City Ordinance in 1978 as a nonprofit city agency to advise and assist the City Council in development, coordination, promotion and support of the arts.

CONTACT: Terri Schorzman