REPORT: Arts Contribute Over $553 Million to Michigan Economy

WIXOM, Mich., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ArtServe Michigan today released its second Creative State Michigan report detailing FY 2010 economic impact data from 346 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that together contributed more than half a billion dollars in expenditures alone to Michigan's economy in 2010. Learn more at www.CreativeStateMI.org.

The report reveals significant growth of arts-related jobs and businesses from 2006 to 2011; arts-related jobs increased by 15 percent in Michigan, while arts-related businesses increased by 65 percent. Of the $553.4 million in annual expenditures by the creative community in 2010, nearly $194 million supported salaries for 22,335 jobs.

Arts and cultural destinations also generated more than $2 billion toward state tourism revenues in FY 2011 – 16 percent of state totals and more than golf, boating/sailing, hunting/fishing and hiking/biking combined.

"Arts and culture are major contributors to our state's economy – creating jobs and local spending, fueling tourism and shaping vibrant cities attracting talent and business," said Jennifer Goulet, ArtServe's president and CEO. "This report reinforces the creative economy as a valuable asset and strategic economic investment for Michigan."

The report highlights benefits for Michigan's schools, children and residents. In 2010, more than 2.7 million students benefitted from educational programs at arts and cultural venues that hosted 26,515 youth and school group visits and 1,135 in-school programs. Cultural groups also reported more than 15.7 million visits in 2010, 54 percent of which were free of charge.

Data for the Creative State Michigan report comes from the Michigan Cultural Data Project (CDP), Americans for the Arts' annual Creative Industries Reports, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation/Pure Michigan. Data Driven Detroit provided independent research and analysis for the report. Nationally, CDP operates in 12 states and District of Columbia, with nearly 14,000 organizations participating across the US.

ArtServe Michigan is a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to cultivating the creative potential of Michigan's arts and cultural sector and creative industries to enhance the public health and well-being of Michigan, its people and communities. ArtServe advocates for arts, culture, arts education and the power of the creative economy in Michigan; provides leadership and professional development for artists, creative practitioners, and arts and cultural organizations; and connects arts and cultural leaders and supporters through strategic communications. Contact ArtServe Michigan at 248-912-0760 or visit ArtServeMichigan.org.

SOURCE ArtServe Michigan