In 2023, the Americans for the Arts Study also examined the social impact of arts and culture in a community.
In 2023, Americans for the Arts released their 6th Arts & Economic Prosperity Study examining the impact of arts and culture organizations across the nation.
They found that “Investment in the nonprofit arts and culture industry builds the communities where people want to live and work. It is where entrepreneurs and creative economy businesses are launched and where nighttime economies flourish. When we prioritize diverse cultural expressions and traditions, it nurtures social connections, promotes community pride and identity, and boosts tourism by providing the authentic experiences that draw visitors to the community. If visitors have a positive experience, it may become a place to work—and ultimately one in which to live. Creating livable communities is economic development..”
Nationwide, the study found arts and culture organizations make communities more liveable but were among the economic sectors most devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and remain among the slowest to recover. Yet, they still helped us heal socially and recover economically.
Arts and culture inspire pride in communities:
89% of arts and culture attendees agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”
86% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”
86% felt it important that future generations also be able to have that cultural experience.
They also build more livable communities:
86% of Americans say arts and culture are important to their community’s quality of life and livability.
79% of the American public believe that the arts are important to their community’s businesses, economy, and local jobs.
They improve personal well-being:
78% of the population say the arts are a positive experience in a troubled world.
69% of the population believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences.”
71% feel the arts give them “pure pleasure to experience and participate in.”
They improve personal well-being:
72% of Americans believe the arts provide shared experiences with people of different races, ethnicities, ages, beliefs, and identities (gender, political, national origin)
73% agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better.”
And they inspire creativity and innovation:
“Creativity” is among the top five applied skills sought by business leaders—per the Conference Board’s Ready to Innovate report—with 72% saying creativity is of “high importance” when hiring.
For the second year in a row, “creativity” tops the list as the #1 soft skill needed in business (LinkedIn).
