Bangor, Maine – The City of Bangor was one of 341 study regions throughout the United States to participate in Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, a study conducted by the Americans for the Arts to measure economic impact of arts and culture in fiscal year 2015. The Commission on Cultural Development worked closely with a number of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations throughout the greater Bangor region to gather data from events and audiences. The official customized report shines a light on an industry with undeniable economic impact.
Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 provides evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in the City of Bangor – one that generates $10 million in total economic activity. This spending -- $3.4 million by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and an additional $6.6 million in event-related spending by their audiences – supports 312 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $6.2 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $1.1 million in local and state government revenue. This economic impact study sends a strong signal that when the arts are supported, it directly impacts quality of life while investing in Bangor’s economic well-being.
“Bangor’s arts and cultural community makes cents, and now we know exactly how many,” said Commission on Cultural Development Chair Mary Budd. “With such compelling data as this report offers, perhaps we can finally shift the conversation from why support the arts to how.”
This study puts to rest a misconception that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism. The arts mean business in the City of Bangor!
For more information, contact Cultural Liaison Zeth Lundy at culturalcommission@bangormaine.gov or by phone, (207) 992-4234.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 report is available on the City of Bangor website at: http://www.bangormaine.gov/artsreport