The Economic Value Of Art In Chicago

Nonprofit cultural institutions add $2.2 billion annually to Chicago’s economy

As budgets for cultural programming across the country are cut, a new report from Arts Alliance Illinois and Americans for the Arts shows the economic benefit of the arts in Chicago. Bringing in $2.2 billion annually the city’s cultural offerings do more than enrich our lives and inspire creativity. The arts support over 60,000 full-time jobs, generate a total of $1.3 billion in household income to local residents, and deliver $214 million in local and state government revenue.

The study, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, found that Chicago’s cultural scene attracts board audiences and out of towners. One third of arts attendees live outside Chicago and one third of audiences earn less than $60,000 and half are younger than 44 years old.

The Joyce Foundation Culture Program supports Chicago culture by partnering with arts organizations to diversify program offerings, support artists’ commissions, and maintain staff and board leadership to engage audiences. The Foundation also invests in capacity building for community-based arts organizations to strengthen arts activities in places where people live and work.

Download The Report.

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