Arts and culture sector brings $740M to the New Mexico

Dec. 10—For more than a century, artists have flocked to New Mexico not only to find inspiration but also to settle and become part of the community.

The arts sector continues to be a strong economic driver.

According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, arts and culture has a $740 million impact in the state.

Based on the AEP6 data, $740,876,358 was spent in the state by the entire nonprofit arts and culture industry in 2022. The total spending by arts and culture organizations in the state was $267,475,309, while the total spending by arts audiences was $473,401,049.

The report used data supplied from four New Mexico partners: the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the city of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture, the Santa Fe Arts and Culture Department and the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos.

In 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations across the nation and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity — $73.3 billion in spending by the organizations, which leveraged an additional $78.4 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. The impact of this economic activity is far-reaching, supporting 2.6 million jobs, generating $29.1 billion in tax revenue and providing $101 billion in personal income to residents.

The city of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture said the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated almost $270.7 million in economic activity in 2022. The economic activity supported 3,902 jobs, provided $144.4 million in personal income to residents and generated $40.1 million in local, state and federal government revenue.

A breakdown of that activity would include $129.1 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $141.5 million in event-related spending by their audiences.

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 says it uses "a rigorous methodology" to document the economic and social contributions of the nation's nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates that, locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are critical economic drivers of vibrant communities, according to the findings.

"I am inspired by the findings of the AEP6 study, which underscores the important impact of arts and culture on our local community," said Shelle Sanchez, city of Albuquerque Arts & Culture director. "This research demonstrates that the arts are not only a vibrant source of creativity and self-expression but also a vital driver of economic growth. Arts and culture significantly bolsters our local economy, generating jobs, attracting tourism, and stimulating local businesses."

According to the report, total spending in Santa Fe by the entire nonprofit arts and culture industry was $353,842,388, with the breakdown of the total spending by arts and culture organizations at $99,630,595 and the total spending by arts audiences at $254,211,793.

The other New Mexico area in the report is Taos.

According to the report, the total spending by the entire nonprofit arts and culture industry was $70,736,600.

Broken down, arts and culture organizations spent $15,934,861. Meanwhile, arts audiences spent $54,801,739.

Americans for the Arts partnered with 297 local, regional and statewide organizations that represent the 373 study regions. Forty-one research partners represented multiple communities, such as both a city and a county.

To participate in AEP6, the 297 local and statewide research partners agreed to four participation criteria:

Identify and code the comprehensive universe of eligible arts and culture organizations located in their study region.Assist with the collection of detailed financial and attendance information from those organizations and review the information for accuracy.Collect audience-intercept surveys from attendees at a broad, representative sample of cultural events that take place in their study region.Pay a modest cost-sharing fee. (No community was refused participation for an inability to pay.)

Each local, regional and statewide research partner received a detailed 60-page report and a two-page summary of the customized findings for its unique community.

"Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists and new residents," said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities."