ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ARTS IN MISSOURI
“Arts & Economic Prosperity 6” study by Americans for the Arts
New compelling evidence that the arts are an investment in Missouri’s economic vitality has come from the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts in their Arts & Economic Prosperity 6: the Economic & Social Impact Study of Nonprofit Arts & Culture Organizations & Their Audiences (AEP6), released on October 12, 2023.
According to the study, in 2022 Missouri’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $1.725 billion in economic activity.
The $1.725 billion includes $1.136 billion in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and nearly $589.3 million in event-related spending by their audiences. This spending supported 13,356 jobs and generated nearly $14.1 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.
For a one-sheet summary of the key Missouri findings, check here. For the full-length comprehensive Missouri report, check here.
“The study confirms what Missouri has long appreciated—the arts create stronger economies and more vibrant communities,” said Michael Donovan, Missouri Arts Council executive director. “The state of Missouri is more innovative and resourceful when the arts thrive.”
The study also reinforces that cultural tourism is a powerful economic driver for Missouri. 30.1% of arts and culture attendees in Missouri were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $60.57 per person per event, not including the cost of admission. Local attendees spent an average of $29.77 per person per event.
“The arts have a profound impact on our state’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality,” said Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to promote Missouri as a great place to live, work, and visit, and the arts play an important role in Missouri’s tourism industry.”
The Missouri Arts Council commissioned the Missouri-specific version of the nationwide study.
Nationally, AEP6 states that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry, supporting 2.6 million jobs and generating $29.1 billion in government revenue.
“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer,” said Nolen V. Bivens, American for the Arts president and CEO. “They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents.”
The full national report, a map of the 373 study regions throughout the U.S., and the one-sheet summary for each region are at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.
Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. AFTA has conducted art economic impact studies about every five years since 1994. Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 was supported by The Ruth Lilly Endowment Fund of Americans for the Arts. AFTA’s 297 study partners contributed time and financial support to the study.