How the Arts Affect Alexandria's Economy

The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts and the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announced a $70.7 million in economic impact for the arts at an event on March 5. During the program, the city was recognized as one of 44 Top ArtPlaces in the United States.

The city’s arts economic impact figures are from the "Arts and Economic Prosperity IV" national study conducted by Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit arts advocacy organization. Using data from 2010, the study shows that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $70.7 million in annual economic activity in Alexandria.

The $70.7 million in spending includes:

• $26.1 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations
• 44.6 million in event-related spending by their audiences

Generating:

• $4.8 million in local and state government revenue.
• Almost $38 million in household income to local residents

Supporting:

• 1,774 full-time equivalent jobs