Prosperity Report Key Findings
Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences have a significant economic impact in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to furthering quality of life, arts and cultural organizations and their audiences add substantially to the economy of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Based on findings from 177 participating organizations and 2,324 audience surveys, analysis demonstrates these key findings:

The nonprofit arts and cultural sector of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a powerful economic engine, generating
$1.3 billion in expenditures annually.
This includes
$645 million direct expenditures by organizations
+ $691 million direct expenditures by audiences

This $1.3 billion generates 40,000 jobs.
21,000 jobs from direct expenditures by organizations and audiences
+ 19,000 jobs from the indirect effect of that spending as dollars

This $1.3 billion generates $158.5 million in state and local taxes.
$74.1 million annual local taxes from total economic impact
+ $84.4 million annual state taxes from total economic impact

This is equivalent to 10 jobs for every 1,000 residents in the region. In similar regions, arts and culture generates 4 jobs for every 1,000 residents.

Additionally, each $1 invested by local governments returns $5 in local tax revenue and each $1 invested by state government returns $2.50 in state tax revenue.

Residents are engaged in and support arts and culture

Attendance by residents is 10% higher than the national average and 83% of regional residents attended an arts and cultural event last year. Additionally, 88% of attendees surveyed voted in 2004.

This is clear evidence of the importance of arts and culture to the economy of Southeastern Pennsylvania.