FHSU University Relations and Marketing
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University recently announced it has partnered with Americans for the Arts to participate in the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV™ Economic Impact Study Service to evaluate the impact that spending by the Encore Series and its audiences have on the local economy.
Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts.
As a study partner, FHSU will help gather detailed economic and event attendance data from visitors and attendees. The study will allow them to evaluate the impact of the Encore Series on local employment and government revenues.
“We expect that the findings will demonstrate that the Encore Series is a valuable contributor to the region’s nonprofit arts and culture industry,” said Vincent Bowhay, Special Events Committee chair.
Customized findings will demonstrate the impact of spending by Encore and its audiences on the economy. Specifically, the study’s results will include:
· Total dollars spent by the Encore series.
· Total dollars spent by audiences as a direct result of their attendance at the performances.
· Number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by these expenditures.
· Amount of resident, household income — including salaries and wages — generated by these expenditures.
· Amount of local and state government tax revenues generated by these expenditures.
“The Fort Hays State University Encore Series is a true treasure for Ellis County and western Kansas,” said Bowhay. “We know that both our series and our audience contribute to the Hays economy and we’re excited to continue to promote our local businesses as much as possible.”
According to Americans for the Arts’ most recent national study, the national nonprofit arts industry generated 4.1 million jobs and $135.2 billion in total economic activity during 2010, resulting in $22.3 billion in federal, state and local government revenues. The $135.2 billion total included $61.1 billion in spending by arts organizations and an additional $74.1 billion in attendance-related spending by their audiences on items such as meals, local transportation, and overnight lodging. Complete details about the 2010 study are available at Americans For The Arts Website.
“Our Arts & Economic Prosperity series continues to demonstrate that the arts are a formidable industry that stimulates the economy in cities and towns across the country,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive.”
The study is supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. In addition, organization’s local and state project partners contribute staff time, volunteer time, and financial support to make the study possible.
For more information about the Fort Hays State University Encore Series, including information about future performances, visit Encore Series.