About The Collier County Arts & Culture Strategic Plan
The Collier County Arts & Culture Strategic Plan is a long-term collaborative effort of Collier County Government the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau and The United Arts Council, in partnership with The Cultural Planning Group. Its mission is to evaluate, establish and successfully promote Collier County as an arts and culture destination. Funding for the plan comes from the Collier County Tourist Development Tax, the Community Foundation of Collier County and Artis-Naples. For more information, contact the United Arts Council of Collier County info@uaccollier.org.
Collier County’s Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry Generates $107.7
Million in Economic Activity and Supports 2,923 Jobs Annually
According to Americans for the Arts
Arts Industry Returns $10.8 Million in Revenue to Local and State Coffers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $107.7 million in annual economic activity in Collier County —supporting 2,923 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $10.8 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national economic impact study. The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.
Kathleen van Bergen, CEO and President of Artis—Naples: “We are pleased to see this study reinforces what we already believed to be true: Cultural activities provide not only personal enrichment and entertainment, but also are a significant economic force in our community. I hope this report will spur continued investment in Collier County’s arts and culture ecosystem for the benefit of locals and tourists alike.”
Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $63 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. Those dollars, in turn, generated $57.4 million in household income for local residents and $10.8 million in local and state government revenues.
“For over 60 years Naples residents have built a strong arts and cultural community, it is by design that we have 62 organizations presenting a wide span of visual and performing arts. A strong arts community adds to the quality of life for our residents and attracts cultural tourist. This study is important for two reasons, it will confirm that Naples is a cultural tourism destination and that the arts contribute significantly to a healthy economy.” Aimee Schlehr, Executive Director, Naples Art Association.
Nationwide, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $27.5 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues. In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs.
“This study demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live. Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.”
Arts Industry Boon for Local Businesses
In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $44.7 million in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. What’s more, attendees from out of town often stay overnight in a local hotel. In Collier County, these dollars support 2,923 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $10.8 million in local and state government revenues.
“What’s amazing about this study is that it illustrates not only our appetite and enthusiasm for arts and culture in Collier County, but also that it supports nearly 3,000 full-time jobs and generates over $57 million in household income to residents.” Chad Jansen, Board President for United Arts Council of Collier County and Director of Thomas Riley Studio, Naples, FL.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. Financial information from organizations was collected in partnership with DataArts™, using a new online survey interface. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners.
United Arts Council is the heart of the arts in Collier County, connecting our community through the arts. The United Arts Council serves as an umbrella agency for more than 60 arts organizations throughout the county, and our members include art lovers, professional artists, galleries, and non- profit cultural organizations. UAC Collier provides a wide range of services to our community, from working with the public schools on after school arts education to arts outreach programs in disadvantaged areas. UAC Collier works closely with business and government leaders to insure the arts remain an important part of community life.
QUESTIONS:
Please contact Laura Burns at LBurns@uaccollier.org or 239-254-8242
