The State of the Arts

Impact beyond measure.

The arts are essential to community well-being, workforce development, and cultural tourism. Our stories and data back this impact.

$1.3 billion

in annual economic activity

19,734 jobs

supported

$200 million

in total tax revenue

From an outsiders’ perspective, it looks like Atlanta has a booming arts and culture industry…

…when in reality:

  • Georgia currently ranks last in per capita arts spending in the nation, at just 14 cents per person.

  • Private philanthropic support is lagging, with very few private foundations have a stated focus on the arts in the metro Atlanta area, especially when compared to similar U.S. cities.

  • Federal and local government grants have encountered significant distribution delays, with grantees waiting months for reimbursable grants. In 2025, the Georgia Council for the Arts budget is anticipated to experience a $3 million decrease with the expiration of ARPA funding.

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For decades, Atlanta’s arts sector has been undercapitalized, with small and midsize organizations facing mounting pressures to expand, pay fairly, and create new work—all while battling rising costs. A recent AC|A survey shows that more than half of arts organizations have considered closing in the last year and less than 20% have more than a month of cash on hand.

At the same time, there are billions of untapped dollars in Metro foundations, DAFs, and the state surplus—funds that could stabilize and transform our arts community.

Now is the time to make a historic investment in Atlanta’s arts sector. We must redirect these resources to community-serving organizations before it’s too late. Together, we can ensure that our arts ecosystem survives and thrives.