Oregon’s arts and culture sector contributed $829 million to Oregon’s economy in fiscal year 2022, according to the latest Arts & Economic Prosperity study from Americans for the Arts. Released Oct. 12, the findings of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) include data from 19 Oregon regions and communities. Oregon’s study was supported in part by Travel Oregon.
Randy Cohen, the vice president of research for Americans for the Arts, will visit nine Oregon communities in early November to share the results and discuss the data (see itinerary at end of release).
“This study highlights the significant impact of artists and cultural organizations on local economies,” said Sophorn Cheang, director of Business Oregon. “Prosperous local economies lead to a prosperous statewide economy, and this study shows how arts and culture can impact job creation and business growth throughout Oregon.”
Nationally, AEP6 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.
Oregon’s data reveals that 8.9 million attendees of arts and culture events across Oregon spent an average of $39 per event for a total expenditure of $330,920,191, excluding the cost of the admission ticket. Event spending includes meals, parking, souvenirs, babysitting and hotel stays. Close to one million of the attendees were visitors.
“Travel Oregon is pleased to support the Oregon Arts Commission’s efforts to measure the role the arts play in Oregon’s economy,” says Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “Authentic arts and cultural experiences attract visitors from across the state and beyond to support our local communities. Arts travelers visit throughout the year, staying longer and spending more on travel, solidifying the arts as an important economic driver across the state of Oregon.”
“This is the most comprehensive data we’ve ever had on how vital arts and culture are to Oregon’s statewide economic prosperity,” said Brian Rogers, Oregon Arts Commission executive director. “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 is evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in the State of Oregon. It sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the State of Oregon’s economic well-being and visibility.”
With support from Travel Oregon, 19 Oregon communities participated in gathering data, with 13,342 surveys collected at local arts and culture events. The communities participating, and their lead study partners, are:
