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State's arts spending ranks near the bottom
The Capital Times
“Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of the nation when it comes to per-person
spending on the arts, according to a new study showing that segment of the
U.S. economy which drives billions of dollars and millions of jobs. Reflecting
from the study's statistics, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton said today that
Wisconsin's ranking of 44th is cause for action and that she will soon
announce proposals to correct the disparity. For every dollar spent per person
per state, Wisconsin spends 44 cents, compared to the $1.67 spent in
Minnesota. 'Good decisions are hard to come by without the data to drive them,
and this report has the kind of data to drive the arts to a powerful seat at
the table,' said Lawton, a well-known arts advocate who exhibits the work of
state artists in her Capitol offices.”
Art, beyond the
heart. Non-profit cultural groups make a huge bottom-line impact, research
says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Poetry, wrote the British poet W.H. Auden, makes nothing happen.
Begging to differ, arts advocates used a score of statistics Tuesday to
argue that ballet, symphonies, art museums and, yes, poetry recitals
contribute measurably to Wisconsin's economy. 'The arts are not a luxury,'
said Randy Cohen, head of policy and research at Americans for the Arts, a
national group in Washington, D.C., that promotes the arts. 'This study
shows that the arts are an industry.' Non-profit arts groups in the
seven-county Milwaukee area, which chose to participate in a survey
conducted by Cohen's group, generated $250 million in economic activity in
2005.”
Study: Milwaukee-area arts generate $249M in spending
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
“The nonprofit arts industry in greater Milwaukee generates more than
$249 million in economic impact for the region and provides more than 8,300
jobs, according to a new study released Tuesday. The research, conducted by
nonprofit arts advancement organization Americans for the Arts, is part of a
broader study that found that the nonprofit arts industry nationwide
generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in 5.7
million jobs and $29.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
National results of that study were released in May.”
Editorial: Arts A Big Player In
State's Economy
The Capital Times
“That was quite a study released this week by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and the
state's arts community. Arts organizations have long maintained that their work
has had a positive economic impact on our state - especially right here in
Madison and Dane County - but now we know how substantial that impact is. Thanks
to a thorough yearlong study commissioned by the Wisconsin Arts Board, it's now
known that the arts' contribution to the state's economy ranks right up there
with mainstays like manufacturing and agriculture.”
Study paints picture of arts'
economic punch
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Menomonie News Bureau
MENOMONIE – “A recent study by the
Americans for the Arts shows the arts really do mean good business. For the St.
Croix Valley - which includes Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin
and the eastern portion of Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota - the
nonprofit arts industry generates $16.45 million in economic activity a year.
That figure includes spending by arts organizations and audiences.”
Article in Independent Sector on the Economic Impact of the Arts
Americans for the Arts
“Americans for the Arts’ Vice President of Policy and Research Randy Cohen
and Vice President of Private-Sector Affairs Gary Steuer have authored an
article on the recently released Arts & Economic Prosperity III report which
appears in the newest issue of Independent Sector’s Memo to Members
newsletter. The article, which effectively makes the case for investment by
businesses in the arts, is also featured in the Independent Sector website.
'Arts & Economic Prosperity III is great news for those whose daily task is to
strengthen the economy and enrich quality of life. It lays to rest a common
misconception: that communities support arts and culture at the expense of
local economic development. In fact, they are investing in an industry that
supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism,
and our local and national economies. This report shows conclusively that,
locally as well as nationally, the arts mean business.' To learn more about
this study and access free resources you can use to help make the economic
case for arts funding and arts-friendly policies in your community, visit
www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.”
On the Road to Prosperity in Wisconsin…
ArtsBlog: Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts
“I spent the first part of last week in Wisconsin, promoting both their
statewide economic impact results and several regions within. It was an
action-packed trip with great press from the communities about AEP3. Sunday
night I arrived in Hudson, WI, a beautiful river community on the
Wisconsin/Minnesota border. It’s the kind of place that makes me want to stop
traveling and stay. The arts community came out in full force for three events
on Monday, including a special preview session of the research, plus and
advocacy briefing by Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin and George Tzougros, director
of the Wisconsin Arts Board.”
The arts mean business, according to supporters
Hudson Star-Observer
“Nonprofit arts, historical and cultural organizations in the St. Croix
Valley contribute at least $16.45 million annually to the region’s economy and
are a significant component to the valley’s quality of life, Randy Cohen of
Americans for the Arts told a gathering of government and business leaders at
The Phipps Center for the Arts on Monday. Cohen delivered the results of a
study on the economic impact of the arts on St. Croix, Pierce and Polk
counties in Wisconsin, and Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota.”
Karen Crossley: Investing in arts pays off for everyone
A letter to the editor
The Capital Times
“Dear Editor: The economic impact created by arts and culture in Dane County is
impressive. In 2005, the industry supported 4,058 jobs, $69 million in household
income paid to residents, $4.4 million in revenue generated to local government
and $5.7 million in revenue generated to state government.”
The Arts are More than Fun - They're Big Business
WSAW TV, Wausau
“If you think the arts are all about fun, you're right. But a new study by
Americans for the Arts show they also contribute more than $10 million to
Marathon County's economy and a whopping $418 million to the state's. Lieutenant
Governor Barbara Lawton spoke in Wausau earlier today at the Grand Theater about
the study. She says the arts are incredibly important in creating growth in any
community.”
Survey: Arts boost economy
Wausau Daily Herald
“The nonprofit arts industry in Marathon County generates nearly $10 million
a year for the local economy, according to the results of a study released
Wednesday. "This survey validates the notion that the arts aren't just nice;
they mean dollars in the pockets of people who live in this area," said Jim
O'Connell, executive director of the Performing Arts Foundation.”
Nonprofit arts, culture important to local
economy, survey finds
Marshfield News-Herald, Wausau Daily Herald
“The nonprofit arts industry in Marathon County generates nearly $10 million
a year for the local economy, according to the results of a study released
Wednesday.”
EDITORIAL: It's time we looked at arts anew
Wausau Daily Herald
Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton has been touring the state in recent days making a
compelling, three-pronged argument about the importance of the arts in
Wisconsin. The topic is one of Lawton's passions. In short, she argues that the
arts get short shrift around here, particularly in tough budget times. But
ignoring their importance or treating them as superfluous is foolish. Her recent
discussion with the Daily Herald's Editorial Board focused on three primary
points -- and left us all nodding in agreement.
Updated:
July 11, 2007
Fax: 608/267-0380