THE ARTS MEAN BUSINESS
ON THE SEACOAST!

In 2006, Portsmouth participated in the Americans for the Arts (AFTA) Arts & Economic Prosperity III economic impact study, along with 156 other cities and regions. The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study provides compelling new evidence that nonprofit arts and culture organizations are a $38.18 million industry in the Portsmouth Seacoast Area. One that supports 1,161 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $4.38 million in local and state government revenue. This data is based on in-depth surveys of  36 local cultural organizations. 

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations, which spend $12.66 million each year, leverage a remarkable $25.52 million in additional spending by arts and culture audiences, spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses. By demonstrating that investing in the arts and culture yields economic benefits, Arts & Economic Prosperity III lays to rest the common misconception that communities support the arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, communities that support the arts and culture not only enhance their quality of life, they also invest in their economic well-being. Go to the Arts & Economic Prosperity III  page to find out more!

In September 2007, Randy Cohen, Vice President of Policy and Research for AFTA, visited Portsmouth to present the results of the Seacoast's Arts and Economic Prosperity III Survey. Randy made presentations to the Portsmouth Rotary Club, the Portsmouth Herald editorial board, business and cultural professionals (at a reception held at Seacoast Repertory Theatre), and non-profit development professionals (at a workshop at held at Strawbery Banke Museum).  Art-Speak created a brochure and summary sheet for these presentations to provide quick reference to the economic data in the full report.  There was a great deal of media coverage for the presentations including an Editorial in the Portsmouth Herald and an Op-Ed piece
by Art-Speak in the Herald.
 
The Arts & Economic Prosperity III study was generously funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Provident Bank Community Foundation and the Portsmouth Economic Development ommission.