Performing arts bring economic benefits to Idaho
A study done by Americans for the Arts shows the economic impact of performing arts on the state’s economy.
According to the study, various performing arts across the state contribute by selling tickets, enlivening culture and boosting local employment. According to the study, Idaho has nearly 10,000 people working in arts-related businesses.
The study also looked at the potential impact even one festival can have. Boise’s Shakespeare Festival brings in around 60,000 people each season. It makes more than $1.5 million in revenue and employs about 200 people.
The theater and arts department at Idaho State University said it sees big impacts from local arts too. The economic effect of local performing arts is a ripple effect.
“People are coming in to have an experience, especially if they’re coming from out of town,” said Vanessa Ballam, head of acting at ISU. “They want to come in and enjoy their day. They’ll go shopping, they visit our restaurants, they’ll stay over in a hotel.”
“People have more to do, it makes the town instead of a pass-through community, a place to be a destination,” said Norm Schroder, the department chair of theater and dance. “It also serves as a draw to make people want to come to the town.”
Schroder said in many cases, he’s seen the overall attendance for arts performances be equal to, or sometimes higher than, attendance at athletic events. He said just like we know athletic events bring some money to the town and can boost revenue, performing arts does the same.
Ballam is also involved with the Utah Festival Opera and has seen first-hand how much revenue arts can bring to a community.
“About $10 million was coming into Cache Valley just from the Utah Festival Operate and theater. The majority of the audience that comes in to see the shows in Logan in the summer are from out of town, many of them from out of state,” Ballam said. “Only 22 percent of their audience members and patrons are from Cache Valley.”
Ballam said she sees the same trends locally in Pocatello. It’s a large draw from out of town as well. It’s also a significant boost to the city.
Looking at box office numbers from the university, ISU theater and dance department brings in about 4,500 people each season. ISU’s symphony brings in approximately an additional 5,600 people each year.
Because performing arts can be such a big boost to the economy, the study by Americans for the Arts also looked at legislative support for arts programs. It has grown 8.2% since 2015.
ISU has several upcoming arts performances. The next is “Turn of the Screw” beginning on Oct. 21. It’s a Victorian thriller, rated PG-13.
For more information on show dates, times, ticket prices and a schedule, visit their website. People can also call the box office at 208-282-3595.
