Economic Impacts
Economic Impact
The cultural arts are an important part of our region's economic development strategies. The cultural arts contributes to economic development by:
- Creating economic vitality through cultural attractions and tourism
- Making communities more attractive for highly desirable, knowledge-based employees
- Fostering innovation and entrepreneurialism
- Leveraging human capital and cultural resources
- Promoting vibrant public spaces which improve the quality of life
2008 Fresno County Cultural Arts Economic Impact Study
Fresno County 2008 AFTA Economic Impact Study Report
Fresno County 2008 AFTA Economic Impact Study Summary
National Study Cultural Arts Economic Impact Study
Americans for the Arts National Findings
Community Impacts
The cultural arts have impacts that go well beyond what can be measured in economic terms. The cultural arts contruibutes to the community by:
- Improving the quality of life
- Building awareness of diverse cultures and identities
- Strengthening communities and instill a sense of community pride
- Providing the community's residents with unique activities and events
Business Impacts
A vibrant cultural arts community makes significant contributions to the business community by:
- Developing the creative thinking that is required for graphic design, product packaging, and advertising and marketing
- Providing a basic foundation for working with video, audio and online technologies
- Creating tourism opportunities and event-related spending on hotels, restaurants, parking, sourvenirs, refreshments, and similar costs
- Contributing to a vibrant community that helps business attract the best and brightest employees
Educational Impacts
Research reveals many benefits when young people study the arts. Children who study the arts are:
- Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
- Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
- Three times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem
- more likely to be secure in their ability to plan and work for a positive future