Study shows Delaware’s art stirs $210 million in economic activity

Delaware’s investment into the arts has yielded thousands of jobs and more livable environments, study shows. (Photo from the Delaware Division of Arts)

Walking through town and seeing murals, statues and other art isn’t just fun to look at — it also generates a substantial amount of economic and social growth.

According to a release by the Delaware Division of the Arts , the First State’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $209.5 million in economic activity in 2022.

The data comes from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 , an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts .

The economics are divided between $148 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $61.5 million in event-related spending by their audiences.

All that together equates for an impact of 3,330 jobs and $40 million in local, state and federal government revenue.

Spending by arts and culture audiences generates commerce to local merchants, a unique aspects that very few industries — food being another one — can compete with.

The study showcases the lasting impact of the arts on society, said Jessica Ball, director of the Division of the Arts.

“Arts and culture organizations, along with their audiences, contribute significantly to our state’s economy and community pride, enriching the lives of Delaware residents financially and culturally,” she said. “Beyond the impressive figures, this study reveals the profound connection between the arts and neighborhood pride.”

She pointed out that a staggering 88% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was ‘a source of neighborhood pride for the community.’

“It’s a testament to the role the arts play in creating vibrant, connected communities in Delaware,” she said.

Some of the highlights of the study:

• Estimated attendance to the 119 participating organizations in 2022 was 1.4 million.
• Delaware’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $209,441,661 in event-related spending by its organizations and audiences (in addition to the cost of attendance).
• The typical attendee spends $43.45 per person per event, not including the cost of admission (a 43% increase over AEP5 (2015).
• 25% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $67.47 (a 33% increase over AEP5 (2015). All vital income for local merchants.
• 88% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”
• 90% or respondents said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”
• Volunteers at Delaware’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations donated an estimated 317,299 hours, at a value of $9.4 million.
• Post-COVID audiences are spending more but traveling less.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer,” said Nolen Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents.”

When there’s investment in nonprofit arts and culture, Bivens said the result is a stronger economy and more livable communities.

To read Delaware’s full 60-page report, click here.