By Jennifer Giering
President
Dearborn Chamber of Commerce
The nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities—a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $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.
This fall, the business and arts community will come together to celebrate “Dearborn Paints-Good Food.” The gallery opening will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Padzieski Art Gallery inside the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center and will feature the artwork of Janet Kondziela who has spent the past 17 months painting culinary delights from 50 Dearborn businesses. Through a stipend from the Dearborn Community Fund, Janet was able to bridge the arts and business community through her beautiful paintings.
At this first-ever event, business owners, corporate professionals and community leaders will have the opportunity to support the local arts, network and learn how the arts and culture industry serves as an economic driver. In addition, attendees also will be able to purchase artwork on display. For more information on this event, go to www.dearbornchamber.org.
(Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences)