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Economic Impact of the Arts

According to the Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity Report in 2017, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity (spending by organizations plus the event-related spending by their audiences) which supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in government revenue in the United States. Based on this report, Americans for the Arts highlights:

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Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are businesses

They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from within the community, are members of their Chambers of Commerce, and attract tourists to their regions.

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The arts drive commerce to local businesses

The arts, unlike most industries, leverage significant amounts of event-related spending by their audiences. In 2017, arts attendees spent $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and lodging—vital income for local businesses.
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Arts travelers are ideal tourists

They stay longer and spend more to seek out authentic cultural experiences. One-third of attendees travel from outside the county in which the activity takes place and spend an average of $48 per person. (69% say they traveled specifically to attend the activity.)
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Small investments. Big returns

In 2017, the combined $5 billion in direct arts funding by local, state, and federal governments yielded $27.5 billion in government revenue
Keshet is the largest “choreographic center” in the Southwest with a dedication to bringing in unique artists for durational interaction with the Albuquerque community, as well as creating and presenting our own professional dance performances with Keshet Dance Company. Based on the 2023 Americans for the Arts report examining local arts-related spending/cultural tourism, for every ticket sold to a performing arts event, attendees spent an average of $38.46 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission.

Keshet was recently honored by The Southwest Region Economic Development Association (SWREDA) as a 2021 Star of the Southwest recipient, recognized for having made a measurable and positive economic impact on our region. Per SWREDA, “Across the EDA Austin region are shining examples of economic development projects that are having immediate impacts on the economy. These projects are leading to the creation and retention of jobs, new and expanded businesses, improved infrastructure, and workforce development opportunities that are lifting up local communities and regions.”

Keshet is proud to help establish Albuquerque as a national leader in contemporary performing arts and the creative economy and to highlight the value of the arts in our community and our economy.

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