Pick up this week’s issue of the C-Ville Weekly to read more about the economic impact of the local arts and culture industry. It’s big news!
The article, titled “PCA delivers data on Charlottesville’s robust arts scene”, discusses the importance of the results from the Arts and Economic Prosperity IV (AEPIV) study, which PCA detailed in a press conference last week:
On Wednesday, June 13, the Piedmont Council for the Arts presented the newly released results of the survey, and they are impressive. Maggie Guggenheimer, currently PCA’s consultant for research and planning, spearheaded Charlottsville’s participation in the study during her tenure as the organization’s executive director. “During a recession, some people think of the arts as a luxury. What these results show is that the arts don’t cost money, they make money…not only is Charlottesville a great place for the arts, but also, the arts are great for Charlottesville,” Guggenheimer said.
The results show that the arts contribute $114.4 million to the Charlottesville economy each year. That’s the second highest arts income for a city of this size, only Providence, Rhode Island spends more on the arts, and many cities in the next largest grouping actually spend much less.
“A lot of this spending has a multiplier effect on the local economy,” [Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the Charlottesville and Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau] said, “and not just for arts organizations but for dozens of other local businesses.”
Looking forward, PCA is working in collaboration with a nationally recognized consultant and community members to create a first ever cultural plan for the greater Charlottesville area that will allow us to better respond to cultural needs and opportunities including focus areas such as cultural tourism, economic development, and local investment in the arts.
For more information about the Arts & Economic Prosperity Study IV, including the full report, data tables, and summary of findings, please click here.
