Phoenix art scene pumps more than $400M into economy

PHOENIX — Nonprofit organizations centered around art pumped more than $400 million into Phoenix’s economy in 2015, a study said.

The Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 report from Americans for the Arts said the city made $402 million from the arts and related industries, such as hospitality, printing and food.

“The arts support 12,815 jobs right here in the city,” said Randy Cohen, the vice president of research and policy at Americans for the Arts, said.

“You know every time you go, you get a program. Well, someone’s got to write that, and someone’s got to design that. The printers print it and then deliver it to the theater. Even in a global economy, the arts are local employers.”

Ninety Phoenix organizations took part in the study.

Cohen said the $402 million was a 30 percent increase over 2012, the last time the study was conducted.

“It’s through the excellent work of cities like Phoenix that we’re able to make the case to elected officials and business leaders: arts investment is good for tourism, it’s good for the bottom line, and it’s good for our communities as a whole,” Cohen said.

Mayor Greg Stanton said he agreed with Cohen’s assessment that the arts benefit his city.

“This study proves what art-lovers and smart business leaders already know: When we invest in arts and culture we make Phoenix a more interesting and attractive place to live, and we strengthen our economy,” he said.

Follow @ClineKathleen