Durango’s Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry Generates $9.1 million in Economic Activity

Supports 309 Jobs Annually According to Americans for the Arts

Arts Industry Returns $645,000 in Revenue to Local and State Coffers

Durango, CO – The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $9,053,126 in annual economic activity in the Durango area-supporting 309 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $645,000 in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV national economic impact study. The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.

According to the study, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $5.8 million during fiscal year 2010. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. Those dollars, in turn, generated $6,495,000 in household income for local residents and $650,000 in local and state government revenues.

“This is exciting news for the arts in Durango,” says Peggy Zemach, Executive Director of the Durango Arts Center. ” The Arts & Prosperity IV study finally quantifies the economic impact that nonprofit arts and cultures organizations have in our area. Durango is clearly a hub for the creative industries. For example, the Durango Arts Center’s, “Textiles Today: Redefining The Medium” exhibit attracted visitors from throughout the Colorado and surrounding states.”

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.

“This study shines a much-needed light on the vital role the arts play in stimulating and sustaining economic development,” says Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Contrary to popular belief, the arts are a bustling industry that supports a plethora of diverse jobs, generates significant revenues for local businesses and to federal, state and local governments and provides quality of life that positions communities to compete in our 21st century creative economy.”

Arts Industry Boon for Local Businesses
In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $ 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. In Durango, these dollars support 309 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $645,000 in local and state government revenues.

“The study reflects the importance of arts and culture to the economic health of our business community,” says Charles Leslie, Executive Director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. “The study provides compelling new evidence that nonprofit arts and culture are a $9.1 million industry in our area. Communities that support the arts and culture enhance the quality of life.”

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. The full text of the national statistical report is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV in the City of Durango was sponsored by: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, City of Durango, Durango Business Improvement District, Durango Area Tourism Office, Durango Arts Center, and Durango Discovery Museum. Data for fiscal year 2010 were collected from 15 eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations in the City of Durango.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
City of Durango-Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture

To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 331276