Study Shows Arts Institutions Mean Economic Boost For Bethesda
About a dozen Bethesda-based theaters and nonprofits contributed to a study that showed the effect of the arts industry on Montgomery County’s economy.
The Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County presented the study yesterday at a summit in Silver Spring that included County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and County Department of Economic Development Director Steve Silverman.
The report found that arts and culture organizations in the county spent nearly $77 million from 2009 to 2010. In that same time, audiences spent more than $74 million on lodging, concessions, gifts and transportation.
The total economic impact of just more than $150 million trails just Washington D.C. (which saw an economic impact of more than $1 billion) in the region. The study also contends that the institutions provided 2,955 full-time jobs, generated $10 million in state and local revenue and drew almost 3.5 million in attendance.
Bethesda, which is one of three state-recognized Arts & Entertainment Districts in the county, contributed heavily to that total.
The Strathmore Foundation, with its 1,900-seat Music Center, Imagination Stage and Glen Echo Arts Partnership all participated in the study.
The Arts & Humanities Council created the study to show its view of the importance of arts institutions in attracting residents and other businesses and stimulating local economies.
