Study reveals economic impact of Missouri arts

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations create $1.1 billion in economic activity in Missouri, according to results of a study released Friday by the Missouri Arts Council.

The MAC, a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, contracted with Americans for the Arts to document the economic impact of the state's nonprofit arts industry. About 420 organizations participated in the study.

Among the findings, the study found that Missouri nonprofit arts and culture groups support 5,320 full-time-equivalent jobs and generate $9.3 million in local and state government revenue. The study also found that non-local arts event attendees spend twice as much as local attendees statewide.

"This survey was crucial in offering more hard evidence that the arts and culture industry, not only here in Missouri but nationwide, is a central component to a strong economy," said Beverly Strohmeyer, executive director of the Missouri Arts Council, in a news release.

The full report is available for purchase through Americans for the Arts.