HUSTLE: The Economic Impact of the Arts

Abstract

Through a short documentary film, I am examining how investing in local arts enriches a city’s economy and quality of life. Part of Greenville’s strategic development plan is finding ways to attract and retain residents. A way for cities to achieve this is by investing in the arts. In it’s 2010 Arts and Economic Prosperity study, the North Carolina Arts Council found nonprofit arts and culture to be a $1.24 billion industry. Investing time and money increasing arts and cultural offerings is crucial to a happy city, although national arts programs are reportedly at risk of defunding.