Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study evidences the positive economic impact of the Arts in St. Pete
MEDIA CONTACT:
Terry Marks, CEO
St. Petersburg Arts Alliance
Terry@stpeteartsalliance.org
(917) 969-0116
November 1, 2023
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study evidences the positive economic impact of the Arts in St. Pete
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Petersburg], Nov 1, 2023— St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, in collaboration with Americans for the Arts
and Creative Pinellas today announced that St. Petersburg’s nonprofit arts industry generated
$132,530,557 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity
6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study. This economic activity is comprised of $61,607,918 in
spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $70,922,639 in event-related spending by their
audiences supported 2,121 jobs and generated $$26,529,721 in local, state, and federal government
revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to the local St.
Petersburg community, as well as making the city an attractive place to visit and to live.
Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous
methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and
culture industry. The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are critical
economic drivers of vibrant communities.
“The importance of the AEP6 study cannot be understated. With every analysis of the arts community’s
impact on our economy, the results are evermore apparent. The key is ACTION. Can we together create
adequate and sustainable funding for the arts? Can we connect and motivate a public and private
partnership? Can we build the future along with artists, art organizations, individuals, businesses,
government and the philanthropic community? I know we can." - Terry Marks, CEO of St. Petersburg Arts
Alliance
Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and
culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion
in government revenue.
“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community
longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce
the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen
V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture,
we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”
AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study
series.
● Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to
include social impact measurements of the arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of
communities and residents.
● Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement,
and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its
approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing
BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native
American) identifying communities.
“The Arts are an essential element to the overall economic health of our engaged community.
As a result of our dynamic and diverse footprint we attract global delegations, tourists and partners to
our quaint city. St. Pete SHINES because of our brilliant artists. “ - Kimberly Jackson, Board Member of
St. Petersburg Arts Alliance & Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solution.
Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among
attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should
initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations
receiving fair and proportional financial support.
By measuring the arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work
together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable
communities.
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance will hold an invitation-only event for a wide variety of community leaders
to discuss an action plan moving forward. The event will be filmed and available as will the full report
and summary on November 17. This will begin a campaign for the arts that will result in adequate and
sustainable funding.
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The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is the umbrella organization serving this vital arts and cultural
community. We do so by driving arts-related economic development and funding, advocating for art and
artists, educating at all levels and facilitating the growth of our City of the Arts.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading
nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. It was supported by The Ruth Lilly
Endowment Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts' 297 study partners contributed both
time and financial support to the study. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts &
Economic Prosperity 6 study, visit AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.
Creative Pinellas fosters and sustains a vibrant, inclusive and collaborative arts community across
Pinellas County by providing support, connection and opportunities to artists, organizations and the
public in order to grow the area as an internationally recognized arts and cultural destination.