Cultural and Creative Arts have a Positive Impact on Local Economies
A strong cultural arts presence is good for people, towns, and economic growth. That is the conclusion reached in a comprehensive study conducted by America for the Arts (AFTA), by the State of Colorado, and in a review of Denver's economic activity gathered by the Colorado Business Community for the Arts (CBCA). Resident household income, equivalent full-time jobs, and revenues to local and state governments increase with the development of culture and art.
Carefully nurturing cultural arts can bring prosperity to depressed urban areas. For example, Bill Marino, Chair of the Board of Directors, 40 West Arts and Kevin Yoshida, Architect, Urban Designer and Chair of Board of Directors, West Colfax Business Improvement District have facilitated the resurgence of the West Colfax Corridor, known as 40 West—the historic heart of Lakewood—through arts & culture and the energy of creative enterprises.
It follows that the pursuit of a diverse cultural/creative arts district in Estes Park could positively impact residents, business owners, and visitors..
Economic Impact
The AFTA Economic Prosperity IV report that documented the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry incorporated data from "182 study regions representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia". The diverse, small rural to large urban areas included communities with populations of "1,600 to 4 million". AFTA measured "the spending of 9,721 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and 151,802 (event) attendees to determine total industry spending."
According to the 2010 study, the cultural arts nonprofit organizations and audiences expenditures exceeded $135 billion and generated more than 4 million full-time equivalent jobs. They contributed $6.67 billion in revenue to state coffers.
Marcie Erion, the Estes Arts District Strategic Planning Consultant, agreed with the AFTA's finding that cultural travelers stay at a destination 60% longer and spend 60% more than other travelers.
Carefully nurturing cultural arts can bring prosperity to depressed urban areas. For example, Bill Marino, Chair of the Board of Directors, 40 West Arts and Kevin Yoshida, Architect, Urban Designer and Chair of Board of Directors, West Colfax Business Improvement District have facilitated the resurgence of the West Colfax Corridor, known as 40 West—the historic heart of Lakewood—through arts & culture and the energy of creative enterprises.
It follows that the pursuit of a diverse cultural/creative arts district in Estes Park could positively impact residents, business owners, and visitors..
Economic Impact
The AFTA Economic Prosperity IV report that documented the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry incorporated data from "182 study regions representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia". The diverse, small rural to large urban areas included communities with populations of "1,600 to 4 million". AFTA measured "the spending of 9,721 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and 151,802 (event) attendees to determine total industry spending."
According to the 2010 study, the cultural arts nonprofit organizations and audiences expenditures exceeded $135 billion and generated more than 4 million full-time equivalent jobs. They contributed $6.67 billion in revenue to state coffers.
Marcie Erion, the Estes Arts District Strategic Planning Consultant, agreed with the AFTA's finding that cultural travelers stay at a destination 60% longer and spend 60% more than other travelers.