COCA (Council on Culture & Arts) / Tallahassee Arts’ Post

There is power and Data.

Generating $1.3 billion and supporting 19,834 jobs in 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations are an economic engine for Georgia. Learn more about this sector in a first-of-its-kind, state-level study by Americans for the Arts: https://lnkd.in/eqmTjKn3 

Americans for the Arts recently released their thorough Arts & Economic Prosperity study, including the following two key findings that hit very close to home. As the director of a community-based, non-profit arts and culture center, I get to see firsthand every day the economic impact on our neighborhoods and pride in our communities that is driven by artists and arts organizations. "Pride in community. 89% of attendees agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.” 86% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available,” and 86% felt it important that future generations also be able to have that cultural experience." "Arts and culture drives commerce to local businesses. When people attend a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining at a restaurant, paying for parking or public transportation, enjoying dessert after the show, and returning home to pay for child or pet care. Attendees at nonprofit arts and culture events spend $38.46 per person per event, beyond the cost of admission—vital income for local merchants and a value-add that few industries can compete with."

A key learning from the report: “Increased funding and support from businesses, philanthropy, governments, and the media is essential to reflect our art and humanities community’s significant economic contribution and national prominence.”

At United Arts, we are passionate about the transformative impact of arts and culture on our society. Recent findings from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) report highlight just how significant this impact is, both economically and socially. Economic Impact: In 2022, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generated a staggering $151.7 billion in economic activity. This includes $73.3 billion in spending by arts organizations and $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by audiences. Job Creation: This sector supported 2.6 million jobs and provided $101 billion in personal income to residents across the country. Tax Revenue: Arts and culture activities contributed $29.1 billion in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. Community Pride: 89% of arts event attendees expressed that these activities instill a sense of pride in their community. Social Connections: The arts foster social connections, community pride, and cultural understanding, making our communities more vibrant and inclusive. Why It Matters: Investing in arts and culture is not just about supporting creativity; it’s about fostering economic growth, enhancing community livability, and promoting social well-being. At United Arts, we are committed to continuing our work to ensure that arts and culture remain a vibrant and integral part of our community. Join us in supporting the arts. Together, we MAKE ART HAPPEN across Wake County! Support: https://lnkd.in/gKTfDcm9 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/evrUQW7v

Please consider joining us Monday evening (June 10, 5–7 p.m.) at Merriment Social for a big conversation about the performing arts in Milwaukee. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar. Technically, this is about policy, but it's also about what is needed to sustain a vibrant arts community. Elaine Schmidt and I co-researched and co-authored a Wisconsin Policy Forum report with WPF President Rob Henken (see link to the report, Curtain Time, within the below invitation). The report is the impetus for the event. It explores the sector's sustainability, looks at critical decisions on the horizon, and highlights what's working in other cities. Please register through the link below so the WPF has a headcount. #PerformingArts #Nonprofit #Philanthropy #WisconsinPolicyForum

Interesting in learning more about the state of the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia? A study connected by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and PA Humanities, the Culture Check "gathers the voices of Pennsylvania’s cultural, arts, and humanities organizations, along with other nonprofits and community groups." The report shares important information about the cultural sector, its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for growth and engagement with the community, and much more. Learn more about this year's findings here: https://lnkd.in/eiUP2HRZ

In Conversation with Stephanie Ybarra: The State of Nonprofit Theater in America In a recent conversation, Stephanie Ybarra, Program Officer at the Mellon Foundation, offered insights into the state of nonprofit theater—highlighting the longstanding financial pressures, the future of nonprofit arts organizations, and the emerging possibilities for the sector. It's a reality that many of us enjoy the arts daily, yet arts workers often find themselves justifying the value of their work. This can be frustrating, especially as rising costs affect both creators and audiences. The arts are deeply woven into the fabric of humanity, fuel the economy, and inspire personal and collective growth. These are just some of the reasons we continue advocating for the arts as a social good essential for everyone’s wellbeing. After all, could you imagine a world without art? Of course, the arts have historically catered to wealthy donors, who, knowingly or not, often shape decisions. However, as Stephanie notes, many organizations are shifting this focus to prioritize community engagement—valuing the everyday person rather than a select few. This reminds us that the arts thrive on mutual support: they need us as much as we need them. Nonprofit theaters, in particular, have the opportunity to serve entire communities, breaking away from exclusivity to foster inclusivity. This transformation touches on more than just audiences and fundraising. It impacts marketing, policy, leadership, and cultural understanding. When organizations focus on holistic, authentic connections—both within and beyond the art itself—everyone can truly thrive. As Stephanie wisely points out, libraries often serve as "third spaces" for communities, functioning as vital hubs within municipal structures. Nonprofit theaters can learn from this model, providing space and support for their communities in new and innovative ways. For more of Stephanie's thoughts and examples of theaters rising to meet the challenges of today, check out the full interview linked below. #Arts #Culture #Theater #Nonprofits #Community #Economy #Future #Development #Policy #AudienceEngagement #ThirdSpace

The Pathways Program is about sector change - to help make arts, culture, and heritage spaces safer for the humans who work, volunteer, and participate in the arts. From the people who are leading change within our sector, to the ones that want to spark change but don’t know where to begin, the Pathways Program offers a learning-to-action approach to support systems change within your organization’s specific context. In recent years, our sector has worked to become more equitable and just, but there is far more we need to do individually, in our organizations, and at a sector level. This work is ongoing and requires intentional steps to take statements and values into action. The Pathways Program seeks to bring together a community of learners to make a shared commitment to implementing principles of equity and access in arts, culture, and heritage organizations in BC. On June 25th we are excited to share more information about this program, guidelines for applying, and a timeline for the 2024/2025 program. Visit www.manypathways.ca to join our mailing list. —------ Image Description: A white square featuring the Pathways Program logo at the bottom. Text at the top reads: "Want to learn more? Register for our upcoming info session: June 25th, 2pm PDT." Behind the text is an image of a country path, with a green field on the left side, a row of trees on the right, and sun shining through a cloudy sky. BC Museums Association, Rural Arts Inclusion Lab, GVPTA Theatre and Arts BC’s logos are featured bottom right. #Pathways #ArtsBC #BCArtsCouncil #BCMuseumsAssociation #GVPTATheatre #RuralArtsInclusionLab #BCArts #BCNonprofit #NonprofitArts #CommunityArts #Equity #Accessibility #Nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #SectorChange

As trustees of the National Education Museum project we get asked “Why do we need this museum?” We could start with “Because we haven’t got one” but that’s not good enough. Well of course it will entertain, and it will provide a centre for those who wish to research the history of education. But that’s not an answer either. It’s because we really do need one. Far too much of the discourse on education policy is about the “now” and “the future”. There is far too little knowledge and understanding of where we have been, of what has been successful and what has failed, of what we should value and what we should discard. A National Education Museum for England and Wales can change that - as we educate, enlighten and entertain. Support us, join us, become a Founder Patron. https://lnkd.in/eDWCyRpt