City Of Portsmouth Joins National AFTA Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study To Evaluate Economic Impact Of Arts

Press release from the City of Portsmouth:

Americans for the Arts Greater Portsmouth arts and culture organizations are urged to participate in the study so that the results are as comprehensive as possible. Audience members are encouraged to take the short (8 question) survey when asked. By surveying audiences across all the arts and culture organizations on the Seacoast, AFTA can aggregate the data to produce both a total impact value and then also provide a specific customized economic impact value to each nonprofit. That information is invaluable when arts and culture organizations are fund-raising and applying for grants. “Data from the AFTA study is one of the most useful and compelling pieces of information an organization like The Music Hall can use when applying for grants and engaging community businesses for sponsorship,” said Tina Sawtelle, Executive Director of The Music Hall. “Time and time again, the AFTA data has provided quantifiable evidence of the positive impact that arts and culture organizations have on the local economy, which ultimately furthers the appreciation and necessity of supporting the arts as an economic driver.” Barbara Massar, the Executive Director Pro Portsmouth and co-chair of the Committee on Portsmouth Arts and Nonprofits said, “Until we participated in Portsmouth's first AFTA Study, all of our financial impact information was anecdotal. By using the AFTA Study results, we are able to communicate the facts to potential donors, sponsors, and the community. That information: Priceless.” the multiplier effect’ – the concept that spending money in the community keeps the money in the community and creates a stable and sustainable economy,” said Russ Grazier, CEO and Director of Music Education at PMAC and co-chair of the Committee on Portsmouth Arts and Nonprofits that is coordinating the study. “Arts organizations tend to ‘buy local’ and those of us in the creative economy rely on local employment and local expenditures, using local contractors and suppliers; money spent here is not being exported. We’re invested in the ‘buy local’ movement, as we are part of an interconnected economic system in good times and bad. We create the connection with local businesses that we support which in turn support us through sponsorships. When the local economy does well, we do well, and the community benefits.” Arts and culture organizations not already participating in the survey, which continues through April 2023, should contact committee members Renee Giffroy ( rgiffroy@gmail.com ) or Robin Albert ( ralbert52@hotmail.com or go to the details on the City website. www.americansforthearts.org/AE...

This press release was produced by the City of Portsmouth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.