At the U.S. Conference of Mayors in late June, I joined with other members of the Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment, and Sports Committee to discuss the findings of a study titled “Arts & Economic Prosperity III.”  This third study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry’s impact on the nation’s economy sends a clear and welcome message: “leaders who care about community and economic development can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts!”

The key lesson, says Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, is that communities that invest in the arts reap the additional benefits of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life that positions them to compete in our 21st-century creative economy.

The findings go on to share that nationally, the arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity annually, a 24 percent increase in just the past five years, an amount that is greater than the Gross Domestic Product of most countries!  This spending supports 5.7 million full-time jobs, an increase of 850,000 jobs in just the past five years alone!

The arts also generate nearly $30 billion in revenue to local, state and federal governments annually.  By comparison, the three levels of government collectively spend less than $4 billion annually to support arts and culture — a 7:1 return on investment that would even thrill Wall Street veterans!

In Dubuque, our economic growth has been mirrored by the growth of our arts and cultural programming and events.  And, across America, cities that were once struggling economically are reinventing and rebuilding themselves by investing in the arts and culture…proven catalysts for growth and economic prosperity.

By creating cultural hubs, nonprofit art businesses help define themselves, draw tourists, and attract investment.  This is evident in Dubuque.  This is also an important reason why we must work to ensure that our federal partners support America’s nonprofit cultural organizations in order that we can continue enjoying the substantial benefits the arts bring.

The arts and culture industry, unlike many industries, leverages a significant amount of event-related spending by its audiences.  For example, a person attending an event at the Dubuque Museum of Art, the Grand Opera House, the Bell Tower Theater, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, the Alliant Amphitheater, Town Clock Plaza and so on, may purchase dinner at a restaurant, eat dessert after a show, and return home to pay a babysitter.  Businesses that cater to the arts and culture audiences reap the rewards of economic activity.

The report reinforces that not only do the arts provide a much needed social escape for many in our communities, they also drive local economies.  Having an abundance of unique arts and events means more revenue to local businesses and makes Dubuque more attractive to young, talented professionals—whose decisions on where to start a career or business are increasingly driven by quality of life and the availability of cultural amenities.

In the not too distant past, the City began providing budget support for arts and cultural programming at a significantly higher level than ever before, to the broad and enthusiastic reception of community members of all ages.   Since that time, Dubuque has been selected as one of the first Cultural Corridor districts recognized by the State of Iowa.  The number of arts and cultural events, public and private, continues to increase and there is a new awareness and appreciation for the way in which the arts teach us about ourselves and others.  The depth and breadth of talent we have right here in Dubuque including our artists, sculptors, musicians, actors, singers, poets and authors all serve to enhance our community’s image and vitality.

This study finally lays to rest a common misconception: that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development.  In fact, communities are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.  This study has shown that locally, as well as nationally, the arts mean business!