Arts and cultural organizations in Western New York pumped $381.4 million into the local economy in 2022, according to a study highlighting the economic and social impact of the groups.
It is not just large institutions such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Shea’s Performing Arts that added to the economy and the fabric of the area.
Also participating in the study were groups such as the Salamanca Rail Museum, El Museo Francisco Oller Y Diego Rivera, Cuba Circulating Library Association, African American Veterans Monument, Angelica Community Radio, Robert H. Jackson Center and the 1891 Fredonia Opera House.
The study collected surveys and information from 145 local organizations in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, which is one-quarter of the 573 eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations identified by Arts Services Inc., a local organization that serves as a hub for the Western New York arts and cultural sector.
The economic activities included $192 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations, and $189.4 million in event-related spending by their audiences.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity study was conducted by Arts Services in partnership with Americans for the Arts. It is the sixth study completed over the last 30 years by Americans for the Arts.
Nationally, arts and culturals generated $151.7 billion of economic activity in 2022, according to the study.
Among the local findings:
The typical audience member spends $45 per person for each event, not including the cost of admission, compared with $38.46 nationally.
Most attendees, 90.2%, live in Western New York.
88.5% agreed they would feel a sense of loss if the activity or venue was no longer available.
“Nonprofit arts and culture organizations play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of our communities, as they bring beauty, creativity, diversity and joy,” Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, executive…
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