By Jennifer Giering
Dearborn Chamber of Commerce President
According to artusa.org, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates an impressive $166.2 billion in economic activity every year—$63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences.
The study is the most comprehensive of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted. The $166.2 billion in total economic activity has a significant national impact, generating the following: 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs, $104.2 billion in household income, $7.9 billion in local government tax revenues, $9.1 billion in state government tax revenues and $12.6 billion in federal income tax revenues.
This study demonstrates the parallel between arts, culture and a vibrant and thriving economy. Dearborn celebrates art and culture through active community organizations such as the Dearborn Symphony, The Players Guild of Dearborn, Dearborn Community Arts Council and the Dearborn Ballet Theater. Art and music fill the halls of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center and the Arab American National Museum.
Most recently public art has been placed in key areas throughout the community as yet another commitment to the arts by our community. And yet that doesn’t even account for the nearly 20 free outdoor concerts throughout the city each summer such as Music Under the Stars and Jazz on the Ave.
As I work with the leadership of the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority on the feasibility of ArtSpace, I am reminded that artists come in a variety of forms — chefs, interior designers, musicians, graphic designers, photographers and dancers just to name a few.
Art is everywhere you look. It weaves through the fabric of every community, every neighborhood and every school. And we know how integral it is to bringing together a community, which can inspire and create thriving business.
The city of Dearborn 2011 calendar as well as the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Resource Guide and Membership Directory will focus on the presence of art and culture in our community, a nod to the important role they play in a vibrant city.