The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV was announced by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.
Miami-Dade County’s Department of Cultural Affairs participated in tandem with 181 other communities and regions across the country representing all 50 states, focusing on two areas: (1) the economic impact of spending by cultural organizations, and (2) the impact of event-related spending by these organizations’ audiences.
Miami-Dade County’s nonprofit arts and cultural organizations represent a significant business industry in Miami-Dade County — one that generates almost $1.1 billion in local economic activity, an almost 17 percent increase over the last study released five years ago. This spending — $673.95 million by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and an additional $402.2 million in event-related spending by their audiences — supports 29,792 full-time equivalent jobs.
Attendance at cultural events also shows an increasing trend, demonstrating that Miami-Dade’s audiences are growing, representing over 13.5 million cultural attendees annually as compared to 12.7 million five years ago when the last study was conducted. These results put Miami-Dade County among the top tier of comparable metropolitan areas and demonstrate how the arts are effective catalysts for strengthening the economy and making Miami-Dade County more competitive nationally for business, tourism and the arts.
“This landmark study confirms what we all know to be true — the arts and cultural industry in Miami-Dade County is a major force in making this a world-class metropolis for business and a great place to raise our families,” said Adolfo Henriques, chair of the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council. “Our outstanding cultural community is putting us on the map as one of the newest and most culturally vibrant places in the world and as the ‘go-to’ destination for economic and cultural innovation and diversity.”
The rapid rise of Miami-Dade County’s arts and cultural industry is a national success story. Today, there are more entertainment and educational opportunities for families and children than ever. Miami’s vibrant cultural life is a direct contributor to the county’s resurgence as a center for international tourism and commerce.
Culture helps to understand and celebrate the community’s remarkable diversity and history. Investments in arts and culture industry continue to enhance the quality of life for Miami-Dade County’s residents and visitors, strengthen the local economy and play a strategic role in developing, attracting and retaining creative people, and nurturing creative industries.
The full text of the local Miami-Dade County study is available at online at www.miamidadearts.org.
