Showcasing the Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in Eastern Oregon
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, August 26th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Joseph, Oregon – The economic influence of arts and culture in Eastern Oregon will be highlighted during a September 16-19 tour, featuring insights from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study conducted by Americans for the Arts. The study revealed that Oregon’s arts and culture sector contributed $829 million to the state’s economy in 2022.
Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts, will visit six Eastern Oregon communities to present local and statewide findings. Cohen’s tour in Eastern Oregon follows a nine-stop tour in other parts of the state last November.
“This study demonstrates how artists and cultural organizations significantly boost local economies,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “Supporting the arts is not only about enhancing quality of life, but also about driving economic growth statewide.”
The AEP6 study shows that Oregon’s arts and culture events attracted 8.9 million attendees, who spent an average of $39 per event, totaling $330.9 million in additional spending. Travel Oregon’s CEO, Todd Davidson, emphasized the value of arts tourism, stating that visitors attracted by authentic arts experiences contribute year-round to local economies.
The tour itinerary includes presentations in Ontario, Baker City, Joseph, La Grande, Pendleton, and Hood River. This is the first AEP study to also measure the social impact of arts and culture, with a high percentage of respondents noting increased community pride and a sense of loss if arts activities were unavailable.
For more information and detailed findings for Oregon regions, visit the Americans for the Arts website.
Itinerary:
- Monday, Sept. 16
- Ontario: 10 a.m. (MT), Four Rivers Cultural Center
- Baker City: 1 p.m., Crossroads Carnegie Art Center
- Tuesday, Sept. 17
- Joseph: 5:30 p.m., Josephy Center for Arts and Culture
- Wednesday, Sept. 18
- La Grande: 10 a.m., Press Room Coffee and Books
- Pendleton: 2 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts
- Thursday, Sept. 19
- Hood River: 12 p.m., Columbia Center for the Arts
About the Oregon Arts Commission:
The Oregon Arts Commission leads and funds arts programs statewide, promoting the role of the arts in social, economic, and educational development. The Commission is part of Business Oregon and supports its initiatives with state, federal, and Cultural Trust funds.
