[Source: EVliving] -- The City of Mesa announced results from one of the most comprehensive economic impact studies of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The report reveals the nonprofit arts industry in Mesa generates $47.57 million in economic activity every year, more than double the activity from as reported in the previous study conducted in 2000-01. In 2005, the arts and cultural organizations from Mesa, Arizona participated in the national Americans for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity III study to examine the economic impact of the arts and culture industry. The regional data released June 6th, as well as the comparative numbers from 2000, show overwhelming evidence regarding the economic growth and benefits Mesa, Arizona has realized from its investment in arts and culture The City of Mesa voters approved a Quality of Life tax in May of 1998.
The measure is a half-cent sales tax designed to stimulate economic development through arts and cultural initiatives and provide important amenities, and construct facilities such as Mesa Arts Center. The study findings give substantial evidence the investment is generating significant economic benefits for the community. Findings from the released study include: Local economic impact due to Mesa’s arts and cultural activities more than doubled from $18.1 million in 2000 to over $47.57 million in 2005; Event related spending by visitors from outside Maricopa County grew tenfold in just in five years. In 2000, these visitors spent an estimated $1,354,495. By 2005, that amount grew to $11,426,325 million; Participation at cultural events in Mesa increased from 658,164 in 2000 to 822,177 in 2005. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
