2009 Economic Impact Study for Hillsborough County

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County announced the results of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts industry in Hillsborough County.  These local results were compiled as part of the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. Entitled Arts & Economic Prosperity III, the study was conducted in 156 communities and regions (116 cities and counties, 35 multi-county regions, and 5 states) including Hillsborough County.  The Arts Council helped to facilitate the gathering of the detailed economic data from 54 arts organizations that were among 6,080 local arts organizations surveyed nationwide. Americans for the Arts, which conducted the national study, is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America.

The local data reveals that in 2008 Hillsborough’s nonprofit arts industry generated $298 million in economic activity, including:

·    8,377 full-time equivalent jobs
·    $192.4 million in resident household income
·    $11.5 million in local government tax revenues
·    $19.097 million in state government tax revenues

This study captures only the nonprofit cultural industry, not the privately owned galleries, design, media and other creative businesses.  The impact would be much greater if they were included.

The $298 million total includes close to $146 million in spending by arts organizations and $152 million in event-related spending by arts audiences, excluding the cost of admission.  The $152 in event-related spending by arts audiences reflects an average of $35.52 per person in spending for hotels, restaurants, parking, souvenirs, refreshments, or other similar costs—with non-local attendees spending nearly twice as much as local attendees ($48.62 compared to $25.85).

The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study shows that nonprofits arts support more jobs than accountants and auditors, public safety officers, and even lawyers, and just slightly fewer than elementary school teachers. Spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations provide rewarding employment for more than just artists, curators, and musicians but they also directly support builders, plumbers, accountants, printers, and an array of occupations.

In addition, the study reveals that the nonprofit arts industry is the cornerstone of tourism. The $103.1 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences reflects an average of $27.79 per person in spending for hotels, restaurants, parking, souvenirs, refreshments, or other similar costs—with non-local attendees spending twice as much as local attendees ($40.19 vs. $19.53). When a community attracts cultural tourists, it harnesses significant economic rewards.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study.

2007 Economic Impact Study for Pinellas County

The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study also provides compelling new evidence that nonprofit arts and culture are a $159.71 million industry in Pinellas County. This spending – $59.58 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $100.13 million in event-related spending by their audiences - supports just under 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $80.23 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $16.39 million in local and state government revenue.
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $59.58 million each year, leverage a remarkable $100.13 in additional spending by arts and culture audiences – spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages and other businesses.

By demonstrating that investing in the arts and culture yields economic benefits, the Arts & Economic Prosperity III study sends a strong signal that as members of a community that support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in Pinellas County’s economic well-being.

2005 Economic Impact Study of Hillsborough & Pinellas County

The Tampa Bay BCA published its third economic impact study in 2005, produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Results show that in 2004 cultural institutions in Hillsborough & Pinellas county had an overall economic impact of over $521 million; that’s over half a billion dollars!  In addition, cultural institutions generated 7,800 jobs and over $202 million in income for those working in the arts.  Over 5.6 million people visited cultural institutions. These enthusiasts went to concerts, plays, art, history, children’s and science museums on both sides of the bay in 2004. That’s 15 thousand each day!