Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts
Across Georgia, arts and culture organizations are doing more than inspiring creativity. They’re driving economic growth, supporting jobs, and strengthening communities. Georgia Council for the Arts provides supporting data to back those claims and empower smart planning.
More Than Creativity
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study puts real numbers behind what Georgia’s nonprofit arts organizations see every day: when the arts thrive, communities do, too.
Led nationally by Americans for the Arts and facilitated in Georgia by Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), this study captures the economic and social impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations across the state. Using data from more than 400 Georgia organizations, AEP6 shows the real, measurable impact of their work.
Supporting local businesses and communities.
Employment for artists, creatives, and workers across industries.
Reinvested back into Georgia.
When audiences show up, communities benefit
In 2022, 16.6 million people attended arts and culture events across Georgia – the equivalent of filling Sanford Stadium in Athens – the largest seating capacity in the state, every day for almost seven months.
Their impact goes beyond the price of admission:
- Arts and culture audiences spend an average of $37.68 per person per event beyond the cost of admission on things like dining, parking or public transportation, and child or pet care.
- For 77% of visitors, the arts event was the primary reason for their trip. Out-of-state attendees spent an average of $76.43 beyond admission.
Use This Data to Tell Your Story
These insights can help grow your impact and strengthen your message.
Use AEP6 data to:
- Strengthen grant applications and proposals.
- Build stronger cases for sponsorships and donations.
- Show local stakeholders the value of your work.
- Amplify support in your community.
When you pair your story with statewide data, your message carries further
Calculate Your Impact
Use the Economic Impact Calculator to quickly estimate how your organization supports jobs, generates income, and contributes to local, state, and federal tax revenue.
Nonprofit arts organizations enrich lives and fuel Georgia’s economy – but they’re just the beginning of what the arts make possible.
According to the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA) from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Georgia’s total arts and cultural production in 2023:
- Created $31.2B in total economic impact
- Supported 164,919 jobs
- Accounted for 3.8% of Georgia’s gross domestic product (GDP)
These contributions extend far beyond the arts, supporting jobs, talent, and vibrant communities across Georgia.
Arts Impact At A Clance
Quick, shareable highlights that demonstrate the impact of the arts in Georgia.
Grow With Us
Whether you’re looking to grow your programs, reach new audiences, or deepen community impact, GCA can help.
