| BALTIMORE, MD Wed, Feb 7, 2007 More than 13 million people attended arts events in Maryland in Fiscal Year 2006, generating a record breaking $1.05 billion in economic impact for Maryland, up from $970 million the previous fiscal year, according to a study released today by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). The study, prepared for the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), also showed the arts generated an estimated $37.3 million in state and local taxes, up from $35 million, and provided 13,762 full-time jobs. In addition, for every dollar of direct spending by audiences attending arts events, another $2.10 is generated on other goods and services, according to the study.
“The arts in Maryland are not only a significant economic generator and source of well-paying jobs, but they are also critical to maintaining our outstanding quality of life,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “As we celebrate Arts Day in Maryland today, we see the tremendous impact the arts play in the lives of every Marylander. When we invest in the arts, we invest in our communities, our businesses and our citizens.”
The study analyzed the State regionally, dividing it into six regions. Maryland’s Central region, comprised of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford and Howard counties contributed $619 million in economic impact from the arts, and provided 8,066 arts-related jobs. The Greater Washington region, which includes Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, contributed $318 million and provided 4,184 jobs. The remainder of the state, which is divided into Western Maryland, Southern Maryland, the Upper Eastern Shore and the Lower Eastern Shore, contributed a combined $114 million and provided a total of 1,512 arts-related jobs.
Arts organizations reported a total income of $161 million in 2006. About 30 percent, or $50 million, was earned from various program activities including ticket sales, exhibitor’s fees, contracts and memberships. Cash contributions and revenues from fundraising events totaled 26 percent, or $41 million, of total earnings.To review the complete study, “Economic Impact of the Arts in Maryland: 2006 Update,” please visit the MSAC website at www.msac.org.
Statistics for the study were drawn from 247 Maryland organizations that produce or present the arts around the State, and receive grants from the Maryland State Arts Council for ongoing support of their operations and programs. The study did not take into account the economic impact of for-profit arts organizations and the activities of individual visual, performing and literary artists.
The mission of the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, is to encourage and invest in the advancement of the arts for the people of Maryland. For more information about the Maryland State Arts Council call (410) 767-6555 or TDD/TTY (410) 333-4519 or connect to the MSAC web site at www.msac.org.
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