This story is part of the Arts and Culture Reporting Corps, sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
In 2017, the Springfield Regional Arts Council, in collaboration with Americans for the Arts, determined that without a doubt the arts provide an economic impact in Springfield. A $26.9 million total impact, to be exact.
“It was really exciting to have this tangible number and data to go along with what we already knew about the arts in the area,” said Leslie Forrester, SRAC executive director.
The data showed that the arts, a largely volunteer-based industry, supported over 1,000 jobs, kept each dollar closer to home, and had a regional pull for tourism.
Now that the data is more than five years old, the SRAC is in the process of collecting updated information for a 2023 report. The 2017 data stemmed from 24 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and 793 surveys. Forrester is hoping for even more input this year.
“Surveys have already started rolling out,” Forrester said. Patrons may notice volunteers with surveys before and after any art event, such as a live concert, a workshop, an art gallery opening or a festival. “The surveys are simple, anonymous, and take maybe two to three minutes. I completed one through a QR code right before seeing ‘Hard Hands on a Hard Body.'”
Questions include basic demographic information, plus more about spending centered around the event. For example, did the patron go out to eat before or after the show, and if so, how much did they spend?
“Completing a survey is not a big deal at all,” Forrester said, “but it’s a very big deal for the arts.”
Amanda Ohlensehlen, Springfield’s Economic Vitality Director, says that having this kind of data really helps the city understand what some of the drivers are behind the economic impact.
“It shows that there is a much larger role that the arts play in the local economy and that it translates to other facets of the community as well,” Ohlensehlen said. “Great data and information like this that tells a story helps inform some of the decision making that centers around local programming and investments.”
She added that the arts are embedded into so many facets of the community, from early childhood to young professionals and retired individuals.
“Championing the arts is vital to improving the quality of life for everyone who lives here,” Ohlensehlen said.
“The arts aren’t just the pretty icing on the top,” Forrester said. “They are a tangible piece of our economy that is worthy of support and investment just like any other business.”
To participate in this year’s study as an arts and culture nonprofit, or to volunteer for survey collection, visit the SRAC website, email info@springfieldarts.org, or call 417-882-2787.
