Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Centers Equity in Economic Research and Highlights Vital Role of Arts and Culture in Building More Livable Communities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Oct. 12, 2023) – The Arts & Science Council (ASC) today announced that Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $453.8 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity–$217,865,355 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $235,934,800 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 6,815 jobs and generated $81.4 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities.

“We’ve long understood the social benefits of arts and culture, from building community and strengthening pre-K-12 education to increasing social capital and improving health and wellbeing,” said ASC President Krista Terrell. “This study not only drives home those values – it also underpins the economic argument for robust support of the arts and culture sector in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.” 

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”

AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series.

• Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents.
• Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities.

Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair and proportional financial support.

Key figures from Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s AEP6 study include:

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $235,934,800 in event-related spending by its audiences.
• The typical attendee spends $43.36 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
• 33% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $61.27. All vital income for local merchants.
• 7% of arts and culture attendees agree that the activity or venue where they were surveyed “is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community,” while 81.9% agree that “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”
• In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent an estimated $217.9 million which supported 3,884 jobs and generated $48.2 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.

AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture brings to their communities. By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and policies that shape a more vibrant and equitable Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.

About ASC

ASC is the chief advocate, resource hub and steward for the Charlotte- Mecklenburg region’s cultural community. Its core functions include advocacy, cultural education programs, cultural planning, fundraising, grant making, public art and workshops and trainings for the cultural community. ASC works to ensure Culture For All by combining resources from local and state government with those of the private sector to maximize community impact throughout the cultural sector.

ASC’s mission is investing in people, programs and ideas that move us to a more equitable, sustainable and innovative creative ecosystem.​

Stay up to date on ASC news and happenings at ArtsAndScience.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

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