Arts & Culture is $51 Million Industry in Princeton, Survey Says

A national arts and economic prosperity study shows that Princeton’s arts and culture industry generated $51.3 million in total economic activity, supported 2,907 full time equivalent jobs and delivered $5.6 million in local and state revenue in taxes and fees in 2011.

The study, spearheaded by the Arts Council of Princeton, is part of a national initiative organized by Americans for the Arts (AFTA).

The project looking at data from 16 eligible Princeton nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and surveyd more than 800 attendees of local events.

The national economic impact study, known as the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV (AEP IV) study, combined data from the participating nonprofit organizations and their audiences. The results were reported to the nation by AFTA on June 8 at their Annual Convention in San Antonio.

“We all understand that the arts are important to the culture of our community,” says Jeff Nathanson, Arts Council of Princeton executive director. “This study illustrates that arts and cultural events also provide a significant positive impact on the local economy.”

Princeton is one of 182 participating AEP IV study regions in 2011. Study regions ranged in population from 1,600 to 4 million and from rural to large urban areas. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are represented. 

Based on results from the study, the national total for revenue generated by the arts and culture industry is $135.2 billion. The median revenue generated for a study region with a population less than 50,000 (such as Princeton) is a little over $9 million (as compared to Princeton’s $51+ million.)

“This study shines a much-needed light on the vital role the arts play in stimulating and sustaining economic development., “ said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Contrary to popular belief, the arts are a bustling industry that supports a plethora of diverse jobs, generates significant revenue for local businesses and to federal, state and local governments and provides quality of life that positions communities to compete in our 21^st century creative economy.”

The following arts and culture organizations participated in the study by providing both audience and organizational surveys:

• American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballet School
• Arts Council of Princeton
• Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra
• Guild for Early Music 
• Historical Society of Princeton
• McCarter Theatre
• Morven Museum & Garden
• Opera New Jersey; 
• Princeton Girlchoir, Inc.
• Princeton Public Library
• Princeton Symphony Orchestra
• Princeton University - Lewis Center for the Arts
• Princeton University Art Museum
• Princeton University Concerts
• The Princeton Festival a NJ Nonprofit Corp
• Westminster Choir College of Rider University

Princeton University for providing funding for the Princeton study. The Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Princeton Borough, Lewis Center for the Arts, Westminster Choir College and the Princeton Area Arts and Culture Consortium helped plan the study. Coordination of the study was provided by volunteer consultants Judy Kennerk and Morris Bellamy, Arts Council Director of Community Relations Kookie Johnson, and dozens of volunteers.