Economic Development Grants 2011

Mayor David Bieter today announced the recipients of the City of Boise's 2011 Arts & History Economic Development Grants in recognition and support of the positive impact each organization makes on Boise's economy.

The three recipient organizations are Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the Boise Philharmonic and Ballet Idaho. The Mayor also announced that Trey McIntyre Project will continue as the City's Economic Development Cultural Ambassador for the coming year. Each organization will receive $15,000 from the City's Economic Development Fund, which was created in 2009 from the rental of the City's rail property in southeast Boise.

"Boise's arts are a significant economic driver for the entire valley," Mayor Bieter said. "According to Americans for the Arts, Boise's arts organizations support 1,200 jobs and generate more than $18 million in event spending each year. With this kind of extended impact, it is important that the City provides support where possible to our local cultural organizations. These groups help our community thrive."

"The average Boise arts attendee spends more than $24 on a night out, with out-of-area patrons spending more than $40 per night," Arts & History Director Terri Schorzman said. "These organizations are valuable assets that make Boise more attractive for tourists and businesses alike."  

Trey McIntyre Project
Since coming to Boise in 2008, Trey McIntyre Project has galvanized Boise's reputation as a national arts destination. After being named by Mayor Bieter as Boise's Cultural Ambassador in 2010, the dance company has continued to excel on both the local and national level. In December 2010 Trey McIntyre Project company was chosen by the U.S. Department of State and Brooklyn Academy of Music as one of four American dance organizations chosen to participate in DanceMotion USA. As part of this program in 2012 Trey McIntyre Project will tour China, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam, serving as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Idaho Shakespeare Festival enhances Boise's economy in multiple ways. Of an operating budget totaling almost $2.65 million, approximately 40% represent local purchases. ISF produces about $1,785,000 in earned revenue, generating $103,830 in sales tax. ISF employs only 12 people year-round, but upward of 195 in seasonal positions throughout the year. Additionally, ISF is a draw for tourists and a destination for local residents, many of whom spend money at other area businesses.

Ballet Idaho
Ballet Idaho has a budget of $1,515,296, of which $954,636 is payroll and tax for 41 full-time, part-time and contract employees. Nearly all employees, including dancers, are full-time residents of Boise. Ballet Idaho also provides indirect employment opportunities to the musicians and the conductor of the Boise Philharmonic, individual pianists who accompany performances and recitals, as well as singers from Opera Idaho. Collectively, these dancers, artists and musicians enhance the quality of life in Boise while elevating the standards for local artistic quality.

Boise Philharmonic
The Boise Philharmonic Association employs 91 professional musicians; up to 10 guest musicians, conductors, and composers; and 10 administrative and three production staff. With an annual budget of $1.92 million, the philharmonic is also a significant economic force in the Boise community. Its entire budget is spent locally except for a $90,000 guest artist budget of fees and airfares. The 2011-2012 season marks the 50th anniversary of the Boise Philharmonic Association.

The City of Boise has joined with the Americans for the Arts to collaborate on an updated study to gauge the impact arts and culture play on our local economy. The results are expected to be released this winter.

The Arts & History Economic Development Grant program is funded through the current year only but will be reviewed in future years as resources allow.