The data illustrate that the arts have tangible economic value like any other busines; the arts generate revenues and create jobs. Overall, the results represent a positive story for our entire community, which benefits in many ways from the ongoing vitality of our local artists and arts organizations. A PowerPoint presentation is available at the bottom of the page.

The Research
LancasterARTS received a grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation to commission research about the arts in Lancaster by the Local Economy Center and Center for Opinion Research of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at Franklin & Marshall College. In keeping with the organization's mission to serve the entire arts community, the LancasterARTS board wanted to undertake a project that would benefit the arts community as a whole.

F&M researchers gathered data through multiple means and sources:

• Telephone survey of over 1000 Lancaster County residents (summer 2009). The sample reflects the same diversity of ethnic background, educational attainment and income levels as in the US Census.
• Online business survey of City retail and restaurant businesses (summer 2009)
• Data extract from the Pennsylvania Cultural Data Project and from GuildeStar
• Literature search
• Review of economic impact studies of the arts
• Review of relevant U.S. Census data

Key Findings
Increasing numbers of county residents and visitors attend Arts/Culture events.

• First Friday attendance by County residents has increased from 150% between 2007 and 2009 despite the down economy.
• County residents visiting the City for arts, cultural and historical activity increased 50% during the same time period.

The Arts are making a significant Economic Impact in Lancaster annually.

• $36 million is spent by County residents who come to the City for arts-related events. (Includes ticket sales, art purchases, classes, parking, shopping, dining, etc.)
• Including indirect spending, economic flows associated with the arts total nearly $73 million.
• 1000+ jobs in Lancaster are directly connected to Arts and Culture organizations by not-for-profits + arts-related spending.

Lancastrians appreciate and participate in the Arts.

• 25% of county residents play a musical instrument.
• 30% attend theater
• 40% visit museums and galleries
• 50% send their children to arts-related classes outside of school.

The Arts affect local education and the sustainability of our local economy.

• 93% of Americans believe that the Arts are vital to well-rounded education.
• In Lancaster, up to 95% consider arts important or very important.
• School leaders say 'involvement of influential segments of the community is the single most critical factor in sustaining arts education.' (F&M data & literature review)

Download the PowerPoint presentation (494 KB)

Download the full report (1.87 MB)
Please give proper attribution to LancasterARTS whenever using data from this report.  Thank you.