06/19/2012

Durham is a Creative Economy Overachiever

"What makes Durham 'cool' and economically vibrant? Representatives from nonprofit arts organizations gathered at City Hall to hear the results of a study that gave an answer—spending by nonprofit arts organizations.

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Durham and Orange counties contributed $210.9 million to the economies of both counties during fiscal year 2010, according to a newly released national study conducted by Americans for the Arts.

In Durham County, total expenditures by nonprofits and their audiences totaled $125.5 million that year, according to the study Arts and Economic Prosperity IV.

Americans for the Arts, a national arts advocacy organization with offices in Washington, D.C., and New York City, conducted the studies of 182 localities nationwide. The $125.5 million figure includes $74.1 million in nonprofit expenses, and $51.4 million in audience spending.

In Orange County, nonprofits spent $63.9 million, and audiences, $21.5 million, for a total of $85.4 million in economic impact.

The figures for audience expenditures do not include the cost of tickets to events, according to the report. The category does include meals and refreshments, souvenirs and gifts, ground transportation, overnight lodging, and other expenses.

The report confirms the importance of the arts as 'a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism,' said Michael Schoenfeld, board chairman of the Durham Chamber of Commerce and vice president of public affairs and government relations for Duke University. Because the arts 'cannot be outsourced,' they will continue to be crucial to Durham’s economy, he said.

City Council member Mike Woodard urged members of the audience to support local nonprofit arts groups by purchasing art and tickets. 'I’m running out of room to hang your art,' Woodard said. 'My CD cases are overflowing with your music,' he said. The arts, Woodard continued, 'drive Durham’s economy and frankly [make] Durham just the coolest place to visit.'

Sherry DeVries, executive director of the Durham Arts Council, called Durham 'the overachiever'” Its $125.5 million in overall economic impact was above the national median of $49.08 million, and above $78.01 million for areas of similar population, she said."

The Herald-Sun 06/18/2012