Today, ArtsBoston released a new report titled “The Arts Factor 2014 Report” which quantifies the impact of arts, culture, and creativity on the Greater Boston region.(Click here for a lot of cool graphics such as how much money the sector pumps into the economy and how many people attend arts events annually.)
Using information from the Massachusetts Cultural Data Project, which collects longitudinal data about the arts and cultural sector, ArtsBoston found that arts and cultural organizations in the Greater Boston region support 26,000 jobs and account for $1 billion of economic activity. More than 18 million people attend arts events annually, which is more than four times the total combined attendance for the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics.
As lawmakers in the House and Senate currently finalize next year’s budget, we urge them to look at this report. Twenty-five years ago, the state invested $27 million in the creative community; 10 years ago that investment was $19 million. Today, it stands at $11.1 million. We are urging lawmakers to allocate $12 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council.”
Click here for Boston Globe coverage of the report.
