A new study by Americans for the Arts puts Providence as the No. 2 city in the nation sized 100,000 to 249,999 for the economic impact of the arts and culture industry.
The study, released this morning, calculates that nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and audiences spent $111.8 million in the city in 2005.
“What this study does is say that, in addition to [being an important part of the city’s cultural life], it’s a hugely important part of our city’s economy,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline. “Investments people make, the support people provide to arts and cultural organizations, translates into a strong economy.”
The study shows that more than 2.5 million people attended arts and cultural events in the city in 2005, noted James V. DeRentis, executive vice president and chief business officer for Bank Rhode Island and chairman of the Arts & Business Council of Rhode Island.
“By supporting those arts and cultural organizations, the stakeholders now have an opportunity to reach these people,” DeRentis said.
Local study results can be viewed online at www.ProvidenceRI.com.
Read more about the arts’ impact on the city in the June 11-17 edition of Providence Business News.
