The Arts and Economic Prosperity

Overview – Arts & Economic Prosperity

According to the National Report on the Arts and Economic Prosperity in 2016, the non-profit arts and culture industry generated $166.3 billion of economic activity for the country—$63.8 billion in spending by arts and cultural organizations and an additional $102.5 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences. The arts and culture industry activities supported 4.6 million jobs across the country and generated $27.5 billion in revenue for local, state, and federal governments.

By every measure, the results are impressive. Numerous studies have now put to rest the misconception that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone for the tourism industry. These reports show conclusively that, locally as well as nationally, the arts mean business!

South Carolina and the Arts

According to a series of South Carolina Reports on the Arts and Economic Prosperity, there are now over 115,000 jobs in the state associated with the arts-related industry, e.g. publishing, printing, graphics, writers, artists, performers, galleries, movies, theaters, museums, arts education... The SC arts-related sector also adds $9.7 billion to the state’s economy through jobs, tax revenue, and spending.

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to help develop a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for the state. Its focus includes: Arts Education Artist Development Community Development

Further, the following are selected highlights of findings from the SC Long Range Plan for the Arts:

• 44% of SC residents donated money, time, or both to the arts during the year.
• Just over 13% SC residents purchased an original work of art during the year.
• 87% of SC residents say it is important to have quality arts events in their communities
• 95% of respondents said that the arts are an important part of basic education.
• 54% rated the contribution that the arts make to the education of children as the most important benefit of the arts in their lives and communities.
• 79% of SC residents favor increased funding to strengthen arts education in our schools.
• More than 92% support taxpayer funding for the arts – and almost 40 percent want to see public funding for the arts increased.

Here in Summerton and Clarendon County, volunteers in the local communities work to preserve our heritage, history, and the arts. Between the Swamp Fox Murals Trail, the Clarendon Historical Society, Weldon Auditorium, Lake Marion Artisans, Summerton Historical Preservation, the Pink Dogwood Garden Club, and the activities of several other organizations – the Arts are alive, thriving, and bringing business activity to our corner of South Carolina.

What other local organizations in Summerton, Clarendon County, and Santee Cooper Lake Country did we forget to mention? Let us know.

Selected Links Clarendon County Archives & History Center Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center Historical Clarendon County Historical Summerton, S,C. Lake Marion Artisans Pink Dogwood Garden Club Summerton Outdoors – Events & Festivals Swamp Fox Murals Trail Santee Cooper Country – Events & Festivals South Carolina – Museums and the Arts