For as long as we can remember, and as far back as the books tell us, the arts have been an integral part of cultures around the world. Arts have always brought a sense of togetherness and community in ancient times and today as well. Not only do they play an important role in defining a region, but also in adding richness through education.

Here in Central Florida, the arts affect our economy in more ways than we can imagine. Cultural organizations are employers, producers, consumers, and key community members who market their cities and states right along with their talent. Spending by these organizations supports local jobs, create household income, and generate revenue for our local and state governments.

Because the arts are such a key element to healthy communities, myregion.org will fund an Arts and Culture Economic Impact Survey to gain a better understanding of their economic impact. This project will take a little over a year to complete with the hope of increasing public and private arts funding and generating significant local and statewide visibility for our arts industry.

“A methodologically sound economic impact study is a basic tool that will help us quantify the role culture plays in the economic life of the community,” says Margot Knight, co-chair of myregion.org’s Quality of Life committee and president of the United Arts of Central Florida.

More than 200 audience surveys will be collected quarterly throughout the seven county region at different arts and cultural events. The organizations themselves will also participate by completing financial surveys sent to them via e-mail. myregion.org has selected Americans for the Arts to provide the surveys, collect and evaluate the data.

Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading non-profit organization for advancing the arts in America. With over 5,000 organizational and individual members they provide extensive arts industry research, information and professional development opportunities for community arts leaders via specialized programs and services. With more than 40 years of service, they strive to create opportunities for Americans to appreciate and enjoy the arts in all its forms.

"This study will create a regional benchmark to measure, integrate, and document advancements in the arts while improving the quality of life earning Central Floridians an international reputation for cultural excellence. By comparing ourselves with other regions and communities around the country, we'll be able to see how we stack up.  This kind of "economic snapshot" lays the groundwork for our future expansion plans,” states Knight.

The first quarter of the study is currently under way with audience surveys due in April 2006.

Resources

http://www.myregion.org/

http://www.artsusa.org/