The Arts in Chandler...

Supports Jobs. Builds Community Vibrancy. Generates Revenue. 

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) is an economic and social impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Results from the study make it clear that when we fund the arts, we are investing in an industry that stimulates the economy, supports local jobs, and contributes to building healthy and vibrant communities. Led by Chandler Center for the Arts, this is the first time Chandler has participated in the survey. 

In the City of Chandler, the arts and culture sector generated $12.1 million in economic activity during 2022—$4.7 million in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $7.3 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences. That economic activity supported 194 jobs, provided $8.2 million in personal income to residents, and generated $2.4 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments.

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are businesses. 

They employ people locally, purchase supplies and services from nearby businesses, and engage in the marketing and promotion of their cities and regions. Their very act of doing business—creating, presenting, exhibiting, engaging—has a positive economic impact and improves community well-being. In the City of Chandler, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent an estimated $4.7 million which supported 93 jobs and generated $1.1 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.

Nonprofit Arts Organizations, if you want to see your economic impact, visit the research-informed calculator. 

Arts and culture drives commerce to local businesses.

When people attend a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining at a restaurant, paying for parking or public transportation, enjoying dessert after the show, and returning home to pay for child or pet care. Overall, in the City of Chandler, attendees spend $40.28 per person per event, beyond the cost of admission. These dollars represent vital income for local merchants and a value-add with which few industries can compete.

Arts and culture strengthens the visitor economy.

In the City of Chandler, 15.5% of attendees are nonlocal visitors who traveled from outside Maricopa County; they spend an average of $59.86. Additionally, 72.2% of nonlocal attendees reported that the primary purpose of their visit was specifically to attend the performance, event, exhibit, venue, or facility where they were surveyed.

A vibrant arts and culture community keeps local residents—and their discretionary dollars—in the community.

When attendees were asked what they would have done if the event where they were surveyed had not been available, 77.1% of attendees who live in Maricopa County said they would have “traveled to a different community to attend a similar arts or cultural activity.”

Arts and culture organizations contribute to community pride in the City of Chandler.

• 82.4% of arts and culture attendees agree that the activity or venue where they were surveyed “is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community.”
• 74.6% agree that “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”
• 70.4% agree that the venue or facility where they were surveyed is “an important pillar for me within my community.”

VIEW THE FULL REPORT OF SURVEY RESULTS HERE

What You Can Do:

You can help support and grow the vibrant economic and social effects of the arts in your community with some of the actions below. 

• Make a donation to an arts organization.
• Become a sponsor of programs or projects at your local arts and culture organization.
• Business owners can collaborate with an artist or organization on a project or cause-related marketing campaign.
• Attend performances, exhibits and events.
• Advocate for arts organizations in your community; be a voice around the table for the arts.
• Volunteer. Give your time at an organization or arts event.
• Buy local and support local artists. 
• Attend an event about the AEP6 survey results and spread the word. 

JOIN US.

Harnessing the Economic Power of the Arts

Monday, April 22, 2024
4-6 p.m.

Join us for a panel discussion with expert Randy Cohen, VP of Research, Americans for the Arts, and Mitch Menchaca, Executive Director, City of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture, on the potential that lies before us based on the results of the AEP6 survey. Where do we go next? How can we harness the economic power that is the arts in our community? A light mixer reception will be held at the Vision Gallery (next to the Council Chamber) immediately following the discussion.

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE LIVESTREAM

10 REASONS TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN CHANDLER

About the Speakers:

Randy Cohen is Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts—the national advocacy organization for the arts—where he has been empowering arts advocates since 1991. He publishes Americans Speak Out About the Arts, a national public opinion study about the arts and Arts & Economic Prosperity, the national economic impact study of nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences.

Mitch Menchaca is Executive Director for the City of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture. An Arizona native, he has an extensive career in the arts, working at Americans for the Arts, Arizona Commission on the Arts and Association of California Symphony Orchestras. He serves on the boards of directors for Herberger Theater Center, Webb Center for the Performing Arts and is the Governor-appointed arts and culture chair for the Arizona-Mexico Commission. 

The Economic Impact of Arts & Culture 

presented by Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SoHo63, 63 Boston St., Chandler, AZ

Join the Chamber for a luncheon about the economic impact of arts and culture in the community, with speakers from City of Chandler's Cultural Development Department, along with keynote speaker Randy Cohen, VP of Research at Americans for the Arts. 

For more information + buy your lunch ticket