New study: Arts and cultural sector generates $2.1 billion in economic activity and supports over 31,000 jobs in Miami-Dade County

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Americans for the Arts, has released results of the most recent and comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry conducted in the United States. The results of the "Arts & Economic Prosperity 6" study show Miami-Dade County's arts and culture represent a significant business industry, generating $2.1 billion in local economic activity and supporting 31,515 local jobs.

"The rapid rise of our artistic sector is a well-known national success story, and these impressive figures confirm the importance of the industry’s impact in our community and local economy," stated Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.  "In addition to uplifting our spirits through music, dance, theater and visual art, our diverse cultural sector put us on the map as a unique and vibrant destination in the world for equitable economic and cultural innovation, contributing directly to our resurgence as a world-class, thriving metropolis for international tourism and commerce for visitors and residents alike. When we support and invest in the arts, we invest in our children and families and our quality of life." 

The study showed the Miami-Dade County nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are a business sector which spends $1.2 billion annually and generates an additional $856.1 million in event-related spending by their audiences. The industry also drives commerce to local businesses and strengthens the visitor economy, with 21.4% of respondents traveling from outside Miami-Dade County to attend cultural events.  The results put Miami-Dade County at the top of comparable metropolitan areas and demonstrate how the arts are effective catalysts for strengthening the economy.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study also asked social impact questions related to social contributions and wider community benefits for the first time. "The nonprofit arts is a formidable industry in Miami-Dade County with cultural institutions that anchor our neighborhoods and inspiring artists who drive creativity and innovation," stated Marialaura Leslie, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. "Every measure indicates that the arts are important to our visitors and residents, as an economic engine, a top employer, and as a fundamental element of a livable community while celebrating the diverse cultural heritages and traditions represented throughout our County."

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs participated in the study in tandem with 373 communities and regions across the country representing all 50 states, focusing on the economic impact of spending by cultural organizations and the impact of event-related spending by these organizations’ audiences. The full text of the local Miami-Dade County study is available at www.miamidadearts.org.

About Americans for the Arts and AEP6

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. It was supported by The Ruth Lilly Endowment Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts' 297 study partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, visit AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org.

About the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity, access and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting equitable opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. Through staff, board and programmatic resources, the Department, the Council and the Trust promote, coordinate and support Miami-Dade County’s more than 1,000 not-for-profit cultural organizations as well as thousands of resident artists through grants, technical assistance, public information and interactive community planning. The Department directs the Art in Public Places program and serves its board, the Art in Public Places Trust, commissioning, curating, maintaining and promoting the County’s art collection. The Department also manages, programs and operates the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, Joseph Caleb Auditorium, and Miami-Dade County Auditorium, all dedicated to presenting and supporting excellence in the arts for the entire community. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Peacock Foundation, Inc., The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, and the Taft Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the Tourist Development Council. For more information visit www.miamidadearts.org.