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Economic study shows arts impact June 13, 2007
You've seen the window stickers that say "Art Matters." Well, now there's proof. A by-the-numbers breakdown of the nonprofit art-and-culture industry in 156 communities and regions throughout the country bring to light a little something many take a great deal of pride in: Art matters in Homer, too. Researchers with Americans for the Arts looked at five of Homer's nonprofits those being the Pratt Museum/Homer Society of Natural History, the Bunnell Street Gallery, Homer Council on the Arts, Pier One Theatre and KBBI (Kachemak Bay Broadcasting). Homer generates $1.2 million in nonprofit organization expenditures, while its audience spends $1.4 million. That total comes to $2.6 million, all aimed at arts and culture. Homer, the smallest of 156 areas studied, generates 83 full-time jobs to support the economy, which in turn generates $273,000 in local and state government revenue. Nonprofits in Homer were found to have comparatively heavy local support and were found to have heavy local support, comparatively. Hope Finkelstein from the Homer Council on the Arts said the most valuable tidbit to know about the study is that on the grand scale of the economy of art, the numbers are conservative. "Also, I think what's really valuable is that the arts and culture are strong economic force in Homer, and it's not surprising, because Homer has been recognized as one of the best art towns in the state and nationally. In addition to a great fishing village, it's a great art town," Finkelstein said. Community events fueling that economy come through attendance to things like the Nutcracker Faire and ballet, and the ongoing First Friday events people have come to depend on. Finkelstein said the study gives weight to the impact art can have as it's "threaded through our day-to-day lives," just as the fishing industry is. "And it's not just the occasional concerts it's also how we view our community. It's about art advocacy and keeping arts in the schools and arts education. It's all a part of this," Finkelstein said. Nationwide, the study states that economic growth in nonprofits comes to $29.6 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues, and generates 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs. Americans for the Arts is aimed at advancing arts in all forms throughout the country. Asia Freeman, director for the nonprofit Bunnell Street Gallery said the study validates Homer's tenacious efforts in exploring the arts. "It's important news because there may be a tendency to think of the arts as a frivolity or economic nonessential," Freeman said, adding that the arts become increasingly key to contributing both to the economy and the quality of life. "It's a significant economic driver, and to me, it's good, clean economic sustainability." And it's been in the works for 25 years through events like Artrageous, the Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference, Homer Photo Fest in the fall which is a combination of efforts from the several nonprofits. Bunnell grew from a smaller vision, and thrives today due to the shared tenacity and talent found between artists and the nonprofit gallery. Heather Beggs, director for the Pratt Museum, said she thinks many organizations' contributions to the quality of life draw people to Homer, and said community members have the expectation of having libraries and art. "It's an expectation within communities to provide intellectual and emotional stimulation that promote the quality of life we know," Beggs said. And what distinguishes the Pratt's temporary shows from other shows around Homer, Beggs said, is that many of the shows are held without motivation of financial gain which creates a freedom to pursue variant shows. Those are often chosen via community committee making the behind-the-scenes a big part in making it work, Beggs said. Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, said the results from the study are impressive, and helps communities realize the commerce generated by the arts when that community attracts cultural tourists, Lynch said in his study comments. "As the arts flourish, so will the creativity and innovation the fuel that drives our global economy," he said. |
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