ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 6
New Hanover County
The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Culture
$75.6 MILLION
in annual economic activity
Generated by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences in New Hanover County.
JOBS & PAYROLL
1,285 local jobs supported
$40+ million in payroll
Jobs supported include artists and performers, arts administrators and technicians, as well as workers in hospitality, retail, and tourism.
AUDIENCE SPENDING
Approximately $45 per person, per event
(Beyond the cost of admission)
Audience spending supports local restaurants, retail businesses, parking and transportation services, lodging, and child care. A significant share of attendees come from outside New Hanover County, strengthening the local visitor economy.
TAX REVENUE GENERATED
Nonprofit arts and culture activities generate meaningful public revenue:
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$1.4 million in local government revenue
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More than $2 million in state government revenue
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More than $8 million in federal government revenue
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Audience survey findings indicate that:
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Arts and cultural organizations are essential to quality of life
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Cultural events build community pride and identity
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Residents would be disappointed if arts organizations were no longer available
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The arts help make New Hanover County a place people want to live, work, and visit
WHY IT MATTERS
The nonprofit arts and culture sector:
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Drives economic development
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Strengthens the visitor economy
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Supports workforce retention and attraction
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Delivers a measurable return on public and private investment
SOURCE
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)
Conducted by Americans for the Arts
Local Partner:
Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County
Community Studied:
New Hanover County