Nonprofit arts groups bring money into Springfield's economyDate: 10/26/2023 SPRINGFIELD — A new study of Springfield by Americans for the Arts shows the economic importance of the arts and cultural segment to the city’s economy.
The survey’s results, which were released by Springfield Cultural Partnership last week, show the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $82.4 million in economic activity in fiscal year 2022. The last time this survey was taken was in 2015 when the amount noted was $50 million, Karen Finn, executive director of Springfield Cultural Partnership, explained to Reminder Publishing.
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 is an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. Finn said that local communities can join into the survey, which is conducted nationally.
She added the nonprofit arts and cultural segment includes events such as the annual Jazz and Roots festival, the activities of the Spirit of Springfield, The Springfield Museum, the Art of the Soul Gallery, the Indie Soul Fest, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and others.
What impressed Finn about the results of the survey was the cultural segment hasn’t just bounced back from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but have grown considerably.
“There was a rebound despite the loss of resources,” Finn said of the nonprofits. “They came back, they brought events back.”
The survey was answered locally by about 800 people and Finn said one question was concerned with measuring the morale component of the events. She said that 92 percent of the respondents noted their “huge pride in the community,” a number higher than the national average.
Key figures from the AEP6 study include:
- Springfield nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $29 million in event-related spending by its audiences.
- The typical attendee spends $31.85 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
- Six percent of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $51.83. All vital income for local merchants.
- Two percent said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”
According to the survey, 24,239 local people were at the events in 2022 with nonlocal attendees numbering 187,901. The money spent by the attendees is largely on food and drink with retail shopping coming in second. There were 1,483 local jobs supported by these events.
Volunteerism is also bolstered by the arts and culture events, According to the study, “during 2022, a total of 1,157 volunteers donated a total of 20,440 hours to Springfield’s 40 participating organizations. This represents a donation of time with an estimated aggregate dollar value of $801,044.”
The events do more than provide another economic engine, Finn explained. The events staged by the nonprofit arts groups “created connections. It makes you feel good,” Finn said. “They give you a sense of belonging.”
Eighty-nine percent of the survey respondents agreed with the following statement: “This venue or facility is an important pillar for me within my community.” Eighty-seven percent agreed with “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”
Vanessa Ford, program director of Trust Transfer Project, noted in a written statement, “Arts & Culture has impacted our economy by creating jobs, tax and small business revenue. Springfield’s creative industries have added value to the landscape of our city and built pride among residents that have been uplifted by public art installations. These enhancements attract tourism and have become beloved spaces in the community. Springfield’s Arts & Culture sector has been a gateway to our social and emotional healing by promoting hope, truth and inspiration throughout the community through various art forms to increase our mental wellness and encourage positive change.”
To read the full report, go to springfieldculture.org/programs/aep6.
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