Dayton's art scene shows major economic impact, new study reveals
A recent study by Americans for the Arts reveals the surprising economic power of art in Dayton, with a $239 million impact.
Dayton's art scene shows major economic impact, new study reveals
In 2022, Culture Works made the significant financial and staff commitment to partner with Americans for the Arts to include the Dayton Region for their sixth economic impact study, AEP6. The results are in.
The study by Americans for the Arts paints a vibrant picture of the arts scene in the Dayton region, highlighting its significant economic contribution. Conducted between 2022 and early 2023, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study found that investment in arts and culture generated a whopping $239 million in economic activity across Montgomery, Miami, Clark, and Greene Counties.
But the impact goes beyond dollars and cents. The study also revealed that a third of attendees at Dayton's arts events travel from outside their immediate area, showcasing the region's cultural draw. These visitors spend an average of $38.46 per person per event, on top of their ticket price, providing an additional boost to the local economy.
Here are the top takeaways from the study:
- Arts & culture generated $239.4 million in economic activity in the Dayton Region. This includes $96.9 million in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $142.5 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences.
- Nonprofit arts & culture organizations are businesses that employ people, purchase locally, and promote their regions. They support 2,311 jobs and generated $20.7 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.
- Arts & culture drives commerce to local businesses. Attendees spend $21.60 per event beyond admission, supporting local businesses, including transportation, dining, childcare and more.
- Arts and culture drives tourism.17.4% of attendees are nonlocal visitors, with more than 90% reporting that the primary purpose of their visit was "specifically to attend the performance, event, exhibit, venue, or facility".
- A vibrant arts scene keeps residents engaged. 45.2% of those surveyed would travel elsewhere for similar activities if local options weren't available.
- Arts & culture fosters community pride. 88.5% agree it inspires pride, and 83.0% see it as an important community pillar.
Want to delve deeper? A full breakdown of the study is available on Culture Works' website.
