 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||
| 'Just
the Ticket' for Economic Vitality
Vann P. Noblett A new study from Appalachian State University entitled “Just the Ticket – The Arts Make Money in North Carolina” reports the economic impact of the non-profit arts industry in North Carolina to be $723 million with nearly 7,000 full-time jobs. Here in Gaston County, organizations like the member agencies of the United Arts Council illustrate what study authors Dr. Dinseh Dave and Dr. Michael Evans mean when they say “Organizations providing various arts events, festivals, concerts, educational services, etc., in the average county (are) combining to impart a powerful economic effect.” The powerful economic chain reaction started by organizations like the United Arts Council leads to vibrant and healthy communities. The organizations funded by the Arts Council during the current year employ 15 full-time and 39 part-time employees while using the services of approximately 1,700 artists. We also have over 165,000 people participating in the programs funded by the Arts Council each year, many of whom stay in the area extra nights to pursue other cultural activities.
National numbers suggest that cultural attendees spend $22.87 per event, not including the price of a ticket. For instance, when patrons attend a performing arts event, they may purchase dinner at a restaurant, eat dessert after the show, and return home and pay a babysitter. VOLUNTEERS ADD VALUEOften, the first people the public sees when attending an event held by one of member agencies are volunteers. In an age when people are stretched and pressed in many directions, we are so gratified that over 750 people opt to volunteer their time each year to help out our organizations. The Washington, D.C. clearinghouse The Independent Sector places the value of each volunteer hour at $16.04. That adds up to over $150,000 that expands our budget through the help of our creative, wonderful volunteers.” Statewide, more than one million North Carolinians—nearly one of every eight citizens—is an active arts supporter. Arts participants are known to be involved citizens who are more inclined than the average person to vote and to help with community activities. North Carolina cultural volunteers donate between one day and two weeks annually—the equivalent of an additional 4,237 full-time employees.
TOP 10 CULTURAL DESTINATIONThe Travel Industry of America (TIA) and Smithsonian magazine recently named North Carolina as a top 10 cultural destination in the United States. Cultural tourists, who combine cultural, historic, and arts-related activities when they travel, have a lot to see and do when they visit North Carolina. “Today’s travelers want the one-of-a-kind experiences that North Carolina provides,” said Maryanne Friend, Marketing and Cultural Tourism Director for the North Carolina Arts. “Happily, they take home great memories plus great craft, jewelry, and art purchases. Truly, the arts are ‘just the ticket’ to boost the North Carolina economy.” North Carolina is also a place where creative people cluster, with creative dollars adding up to powerful effect. For example, according to surveys released in the last three years, the arts generated $26 million in Watauga County, $67 million in Wake County, $94 million in Mecklenburg County, and $60 million in Buncombe County. For more information about the economic impact of the non-profit arts industry, including charts, illustrations, and a downloadable brochure go to www.ncarts.org . For more information about the arts in Gaston County go to www.GastonArts.org |
