SIOUX FALLS. S.D. (KELO-AM) -- Fine arts in Sioux Falls is becoming a cash cow for economic impact.
That's according to the latest figured released by the Sioux Falls Fine Arts Council and the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study, which estimates that fine arts performances and activities surrounding them are generating $105 Million dollars annually for the city.
“The good work of arts and cultural organizations has intrinsic value, adds to our quality of life, and—as this study demonstrates—injects our community with dollars and jobs,” says Kara Dirkson, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Arts Council. The study finds that for every ticket sold to any given event, an additional $30.50 is pumped into the city's economy through dining, shopping, and other spending. That's up from just over $21 dollars five years ago.
“It’s important to remember that these numbers are conservative; this study only involves data from arts and culture nonprofits, it doesn’t include for profit arts businesses and individual artists which are also important partners in our larger arts and cultural ecosystem,” Dirkson says.
Additionally, the study found that fine arts performances and participation pumped $2.8 Million dollars into local government and helped to prop up nearly 3,600 jobs.