Here's a link to an interesting article about a study that purports to show the positive impact of arts on the community. Although this article (from the Ft. Myers, FL News-Press) takes a local slant, if you read the story you'll see that this is a nationwide study.
Here's a link to a 24-page summary of the report findings. It's a very quick read!
economic impact (5)
Here is an excellent article from WNDU.com in South Bend about the civic funding of events in St. Joe, MI. City residents were polled as to where they wanted their tax dollars to go, getting the nod:
Krasl Art Fair, the Blossomtime Parade and the 4th of July fireworks
Losing: Venetian Festival and Labor Day fireworks
Why am I writing about this here? This article explores the importance of the economic impact of festivals on the local populace, something that is of interest to all of us.
"About 63 percent of residents and businesses said Venetian did not have a positive impact on the community. 68 percent of residents and 73 percent of businesses said the city should no longer support it.
Several businesses in the past have complained Venetian's vendors often take business away or the congestion forces regulars to shop elsewhere.
"Certainly a part of that could be all of the vendors coming in here from all over Michigan and Indiana and usurping some of the customers that they normally would see," said Walsh.
After hearing the results, the commission voted to end providing free public services to Venetian, saving about $23,000."
Haven't we all heard these arguments about art fairs in different communities? Are we surprised that the Krasl Art Fair escaped the cuts? Hardly.
What do you think? As an artist don't you see both sides of this equation?
Royal Oak — Organizers of the Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival announced today the event raised a record $351,213.
More than 90 charitable and cultural organizations will benefit from the money raised at the four-day festival over Labor Day weekend, which was held in downtown Royal Oak for the first time this year after more than a decade in Pontiac.
Money came from gate admission, beverage proceeds, a charity art preview, parking fees and sponsorships, officials said.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the festival provided a considerable boost to the region’s economy.
Oakland County officials have estimated the economic impact of the festival to be $39 million, with the average Ford Arts, Beats & Eats visitor spending $94.30.
“Not only was it a boost for Royal Oak restaurants and businesses, it will continue to pay off in the future after some attendees rediscovered how great an entertainment destination Royal Oak is,” Patterson said.
Attendance was strong at 423,000, which organizers said was up from last year.
Jon Witz, event producer, said things went smoothly.
“The new venue was amazing; it attracted many new festivalgoers, and they really enjoyed the festival,” he said. “The area was really alive, and you could feel the excitement in the air. Royal Oak and Ford Arts, Beats & Eats were meant for each other.”
The cost of the festival to the city was covered by ABE parking revenues, officials said. The city is also reimbursing its Downtown Development Authority for its $100,000 contribution through event parking revenues.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101007/ENT05/10070441/1422/ENT05/Ford-Arts--Beats--Eats-raises-record-$351-213-for-charities#ixzz11iWq8iTS
Why does the St. James Court Art Show Exist?
- How is the show run?
- How are the artists chosen?
- Here’s how the judging process works:
- How does the show make its money?
- How is the revenue spent? --- (really important for artists to know this)
- Economic Impact on the community --- (over $10,000,000 yearly)
"When you come to the show, know every dollar you spend goes to help an artist pursue their passion and add beauty to the world. It also goes to make Old Louisville, and our region in general, a better place. Most artists at the show make their livings from touring nationally with
their art."
Read it to truly get a grasp on the economic importance of this long-running art show: www.insiderlouisville.com
Any members here going to be at St. James?
Included in the interview are L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County (MI)'s Chief Executive (and probably the most powerful politician in the state), Jon Witz (Arts, Beats & Eats; Motown Winter Blast), Max Clayton (The Guild), and several others who discuss the impact of the economy and sponsorship on the continuation of events. Read it here: Survival of the Fittest by Adam Graham.
