Nonprofit arts organizations annually generate an estimated $135.2 billion in economic activity.

This economic activity has a measurable impact on the treasuries at the federal, state and local levels. Nonprofit arts organizations return:

• $5.3 billion in federal income taxes
• $2.8 billion in state government revenue
• $2.2 billion in local government revenue

Nonprofit arts organizations leverage a significant amount of event-related spending by their audiences. Attendance at arts events generates related commerce for hotels, restaurants, parking garages and more. Arts attendees spend an average of $24.60 per person, not including the price of admission. This annually results in:

• $74.1 billion of event-related spending by arts audiences
• $4.3 billion in federal income taxes
• $3.9 billion in state government revenue
• $3.8 billion in local government revenue

Nonprofit arts organizations support 2.2 million jobs. Of this amount, 1.1 million jobs are a result of direct expenditures by arts organizations—representing close to one percent of the U.S. workforce. This percentage gains significance when compared to other fields:

• Accountants and Auditors - 0.84%
• Lawyers - 0.44%
• Police Officers - 0.51%
• Computer Programmers - 0.26%

The nonprofit arts industry generates $135.2 billion in total economic activity. This impact sends a strong message to communities that when they support the arts, they not only enhance the quality of community life but also invest in its economic well being.