Indianapolis’ nonprofit arts and culture industry generated nearly $524 million in direct economic impact to the city during a 13-month period between 2022 and 2023, according to Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), a new, comprehensive national study led by Americans for the Arts that evaluated 373 regions from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
That economic activity–$286 million in spending by Indianapolis-based nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $238 million in event-related spending by their audiences –supported 7,478 jobs and provided $342.7 million in household income to residents. It also generated an additional $108 million in local, state and federal government revenue.
Indy Arts Council worked with Indianapolis nonprofit arts and culture organizations to survey audience members on-site at events between May 2022 and June 2023, as the sector continued to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The AEP6 report also examined local economic investments made by 96 Marion County-based nonprofit arts and culture organizations. The study did not include for-profit arts and culture organizations and venues.
The Indianapolis summary and full reports can be found here. The national report and a map of the 373 study regions can be found here.
“We are experiencing an exciting cultural renaissance in Indianapolis and this study affirms what we already know–that there is a significant return on public and community investment in arts and culture,” said Indy Arts Council President & CEO Julie Goodman. “Arts and culture are vital to the city’s economic growth, community identity, and quality of life.”
Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study revealed that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue. The study included nearly 300 local, regional and national partners.
“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community. 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,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”
AEP6 expanded beyond economic and financial data to ask audiences about how local arts & culture impacted community pride and connectivity.
With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities.
By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.
“This report substantiates what so many of us already suspected–art is a sound investment,” said Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas. “That remains true whether you look at it from an economic, cultural, or even public health standpoint. And with a focus on diverse organizations, this study provides an argument that is as comprehensive as it is persuasive for a robust funding of the arts.”
Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair financial support.
