Spotlights

Arts and the Economy: Measuring value for NH communities
Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Survey

A lively economy and a lively cultural life go hand in hand.  Non profit cultural organizations employ full and part time workers, pay electric bills and buy supplies.  People coming to a summer festival or concert often treat themselves to dinner out and even an ice cream cone after the show.  This economic activity is important to know about and quantify. 

In order to get some accurate numbers on how the arts and cultural life in our state contributes to New Hampshire’s prosperity, the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts has partnered with Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to conduct an economic impact study. 

The two-part survey will be carried out this summer and into the late fall of 2011.  It will include information gathered from non profit cultural organizations and responses from people attending arts activities sponsored by non profits. NH's statewde participation in the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Survey is made possible through private donations. To learn more, click here.

The State Arts Council is looking for volunteers throughout New Hampshire to help us collect audience surveys.  Help is especially needed in the Lakes, Monadnock and North Country Regions and in the Manchester, Nashua and Hanover/Lebanon areas. 

This is a unique opportunity to help the State Arts Council compile data that will shed light on the real economic impact of art and cultural events. To learn more about how to volunteer, click here.

Contact our survey assistant Elizabeth Farish at elizabeth.farish@dcr.nh.gov or 603-271-2789 for more information. 

Americans for the Arts has conducted similar economic impact studies in more than 250 communities nationwide.  Click here for more on AFTA's survey model.

Last updated: January 5, 2012