A new study reveals that the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties is an economic driver, resulting in $330 million of annual activity, supporting 11,505 full-time jobs and returning more than $27 million in revenue to state and local coffers. The study, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, was released by Americans for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).
The study reveals that 183 nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $214.4 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within the community.
In addition, nonprofit arts and culture organizations leveraged $116 million in event-related spending by their audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. Attendees from out of town spend even more, including overnight stays in local hotels.
The combined spending by both arts organizations and their audiences results in a total economic impact of $330.4 million – a 30% increase since the last study was published in 2012.