New Study Shows Economic Impact of Teton County’s
Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations

Date: June 8, 2012
Contact: Anne Bradley
anne@jhcenterforthearts.org
(307) 734-8956 ext. 27

Jackson Hole, WY - Americans for the Arts recently released the results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study to measure the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences in Teton County, Wyoming. The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a $49.2 million industry in Teton County—one that supports 1,011 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $4.7 million in local and state government revenue. This report shows conclusively that the arts mean business in Teton County.

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $17.9 million each year, leverage a remarkable $31.3 million in additional spending by arts and culture audiences—spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses.

By proving that investing in the arts and culture yields economic benefits, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV lays to rest the misconception that communities support the arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture not only enhance their quality of life—they also invest in their economic well-being.
In Teton County, 15 of the approximately 28 total eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations identified by the Center for the Arts participated in this study—an overall participation rate of 54 percent. The following organizations participated in this study: Center for the Arts, Cultural Council of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton Music Festival, Jackson Community Theater, Jackson Hole Children's Museum, Jackson Hole Chorale, Jackson Hole Community Band, Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum, Jackson Hole Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Hole Writers, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Off Square Theatre Company, pArtners, Grand Teton Natural History Association, and Riot Act, Inc.

The impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations is far reaching: they pay their employees, purchase supplies, and acquire assets within the local community. Additionally, unlike most industries, the nonprofit arts and culture leverage significant event-related spending by their audiences. Whether serving the local community or out-of-town visitors, a vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive. The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study was conducted by Americans for the Arts to document the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in 182 communities and regions (139 cities and counties, 31 multi-city or multi-county regions, and ten states, and two individual arts districts)—representing all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
 

To request a free digital copy of the Arts and Economic Prosperity IV - Teton County's findings, please send an email to anne@jhcenterforthearts.org.

ABOUT THE CENTER
The hub of creativity in Jackson Hole, Wyo., the Center for the Arts houses the community’s 525-seat theater and 17 of its nonprofit art and education organizations in a single, centralized building, resulting in an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration. The synergy of resident organizations, the theater and hundreds of visitors bustling through the Center for the Arts each day breeds a high-energy powerhouse for the arts community and the guests who come to Jackson Hole each year.
 
The Center for the Arts is located between Cache and Glenwood Streets, two blocks south of the Town Square in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. For more information on how you can get involved with the Center for the Arts, please visit www.jhcenterforthearts.org or call (307) 734-8956.