Arts and the relationship to economic prosperity was the topic of a recent public forum, sponsored by the city and ArtsWestCT.
Randy Cohen, Vice-President of Research for Americans for the Arts, spoke about the arts as it relates to economic prosperity, as well as its impact on the community at-large.
He also demonstrated how the social impact of nonprofit and culture organizations in the Greater New Haven area play a role. The discussion was held in the Harriet C. North Meeting Room at West Haven City Hall on April 4 and was attended by dozens of residents.
Statewide arts & culture supports 54,741 jobs and accounted for $12.8 billion in 2022, representing 4% of Connecticut’s gross state product (GSP), He noted. This turns out to be a larger share than other industries such as transportation, construction, and education! Cohen pointed out that arts and culture jobs are uniquely local, embedded in the community and unlikely to be replaced or outsourced.
In our region alone, arts and culture accounted for $16.1 million, a combination of direct spending by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and the event-related spending by their audiences, he reported. Attendees spent an average of $31.86 per person, per event.
Cohen explained most of these dollars land in the pockets of local business establishments, when concert or theater-goers, for example, pay for things like parking garages, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and even the local babysitters.
Beyond economics, 76% in Greater New Haven believe that the arts are “a pillar for me within my community.” Over 80% believe that arts “inspire a sense of pride” and should be “preserved for future generations.”
Overall, 79% of Americans agree that the arts attract travelers and are good for tourism. Furthermore, 70% agree with the statement, “the arts improve the image and identity of my community.” Fifty-three percent say, “When planning a vacation, I consider the destination’s arts and culture experiences when deciding where to visit.” With this level of public understanding of the arts and tourism connection, it is no surprise that 66% favor government funding the arts to increase tourism.
The data Cohen reported came from two sources: his organization’s 6th economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry, known as AEP6, and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. Overall, as expected our region of the state stands out for its cultural production, retaining the nickname “creative capital of Connecticut.”
Americans for the Arts came to West Haven at the request of the Economic Development Commission, arranged by ArtsWestCT in coordination with the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. Accompanying Randy Cohen was Tamara Dimitri from the Connecticut Office of the Arts.
The AEP6 report can be accessed https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/. Included on that site is a calculator that organizations can use to assess their impact. Recordings and slides from the presentation are available on the We Love West Haven Facebook page.
Randy Cohen by Steven R. Mullins