Arts and culture not only enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in a community - the creative economy is a vital element in building and sustaining unique and diverse communities. By working together cultural organizations, working artists, and creative businesses contribute to the local economy by providing jobs, supporting other local businesses, and local revenue.

The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts works with leaders in the industry to track and measure the vitality and impact of the arts in our community.

The Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. Established in 1960, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

This study - the largest of its kind with 341 study regions throughout the country - shows that arts and culture is a $111.8 million industry in Alexandria supporting 2,628 full-time equivalent jobs, generating over $56 million in household income to local residents, and providing $7.5 million in local and state government revenue.

Of the over 1,000 audience members who were surveyed, people who attend a cultural event spend an average of $32.04 above the cost of admission or tickets for items such as dining out souvenirs.

To view the national study, click here.

The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts served as the lead study partner for the City of Alexandria, one of 341 study partners in the United States. Special thanks to the 50 non-profit arts and culture organizations who provided all of the data for the study and for gathering 1,071 audience surveys and to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Alexandria Arts Alliance for their support.