COCA (Council on Culture & Arts) / Tallahassee Arts’ Post

Attendance at City-produced cultural events has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. But many other nonprofit arts organizations are at risk of folding after years of reduced attendance. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dn3-gM5F

Americans for the Arts recently released their thorough Arts & Economic Prosperity study, including the following two key findings that hit very close to home. As the director of a community-based, non-profit arts and culture center, I get to see firsthand every day the economic impact on our neighborhoods and pride in our communities that is driven by artists and arts organizations. "Pride in community. 89% of attendees agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.” 86% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available,” and 86% felt it important that future generations also be able to have that cultural experience." "Arts and culture drives commerce to local businesses. When people attend a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining at a restaurant, paying for parking or public transportation, enjoying dessert after the show, and returning home to pay for child or pet care. Attendees at nonprofit arts and culture events spend $38.46 per person per event, beyond the cost of admission—vital income for local merchants and a value-add that few industries can compete with."

A key learning from the report: “Increased funding and support from businesses, philanthropy, governments, and the media is essential to reflect our art and humanities community’s significant economic contribution and national prominence.”

Interesting in learning more about the state of the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia? A study connected by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and PA Humanities, the Culture Check "gathers the voices of Pennsylvania’s cultural, arts, and humanities organizations, along with other nonprofits and community groups." The report shares important information about the cultural sector, its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for growth and engagement with the community, and much more. Learn more about this year's findings here: https://lnkd.in/eiUP2HRZ

At United Arts, we are passionate about the transformative impact of arts and culture on our society. Recent findings from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) report highlight just how significant this impact is, both economically and socially. Economic Impact: In 2022, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated a staggering $151.7 billion in economic activity. This includes $73.3 billion in spending by arts organizations and $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by audiences. Job Creation: This sector supported 2.6 million jobs and provided $101 billion in personal income to residents across the country. Tax Revenue: Arts and culture activities contributed $29.1 billion in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. Community Pride: 89% of arts event attendees expressed that these activities instill a sense of pride in their community. Social Connections: The arts foster social connections, community pride, and cultural understanding, making our communities more vibrant and inclusive. Why It Matters: Investing in arts and culture is not just about supporting creativity; it’s about fostering economic growth, enhancing community livability, and promoting social well-being. At United Arts, we are committed to continuing our work to ensure that arts and culture remain a vibrant and integral part of our community. Join us in supporting the arts. Together, we MAKE ART HAPPEN across Wake County! Support: https://lnkd.in/gKTfDcm9 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/evrUQW7v

Please consider joining us Monday evening (June 10, 5–7 p.m.) at Merriment Social for a big conversation about the performing arts in Milwaukee. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar. Technically, this is about policy, but it's also about what is needed to sustain a vibrant arts community. Elaine Schmidt and I co-researched and co-authored a Wisconsin Policy Forum report with WPF President Rob Henken (see link to the report, Curtain Time, within the below invitation). The report is the impetus for the event. It explores the sector's sustainability, looks at critical decisions on the horizon, and highlights what's working in other cities. Please register through the link below so the WPF has a headcount. #PerformingArts #Nonprofit #Philanthropy #WisconsinPolicyForum

In Toronto “Attendance at City-produced cultural events has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, many other nonprofit arts organizations are at risk of folding after years of reduced attendance.” - Toronto Foundation 2024 Vital Signs Report https://lnkd.in/gjMKY55w

These points about the importance tax-deductible contributions are spot on. If all taxpayers, not just those who itemized deductions, could separately deduct their charitable contributions, it would be a great help to all non-profits, including in the arts and culture sector. #arts #culture #theatre #museum #fundraising #nonprofit https://ow.ly/eU7B50UlBtc

The Pathways Program is about sector change - to help make arts, culture, and heritage spaces safer for the humans who work, volunteer, and participate in the arts. From the people who are leading change within our sector, to the ones that want to spark change but don’t know where to begin, the Pathways Program offers a learning-to-action approach to support systems change within your organization’s specific context. In recent years, our sector has worked to become more equitable and just, but there is far more we need to do individually, in our organizations, and at a sector level. This work is ongoing and requires intentional steps to take statements and values into action. The Pathways Program seeks to bring together a community of learners to make a shared commitment to implementing principles of equity and access in arts, culture, and heritage organizations in BC. On June 25th we are excited to share more information about this program, guidelines for applying, and a timeline for the 2024/2025 program. Visit www.manypathways.ca to join our mailing list. —------ Image Description: A white square featuring the Pathways Program logo at the bottom. Text at the top reads: "Want to learn more? Register for our upcoming info session: June 25th, 2pm PDT." Behind the text is an image of a country path, with a green field on the left side, a row of trees on the right, and sun shining through a cloudy sky. BC Museums Association, Rural Arts Inclusion Lab, GVPTA Theatre and Arts BC’s logos are featured bottom right. #Pathways #ArtsBC #BCArtsCouncil #BCMuseumsAssociation #GVPTATheatre #RuralArtsInclusionLab #BCArts #BCNonprofit #NonprofitArts #CommunityArts #Equity #Accessibility #Nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #SectorChange

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, in collaboration with Americans for the Arts and Creative Pinellas shared that St. Petersburg’s nonprofit arts industry generated $132,530,557 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study. This economic activity is comprised of $61,607,918 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $70,922,639 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 2,121 jobs and generated $26,529,721 in local, state, and federal government revenue. Imagine what we can do with art investors, at every level - government, business and individual philanthropy. All in, all for the greater good.