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KINGFIELD — The nonprofit arts and cultural industry generates $1,755,237 in annual economic activity in the Maine High Peaks region of northern Franklin County, according to a news release from the High Peaks Creative Council.
An Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national economic impact study determined that the impact of 11 organizations in five participating communities provide 46 full-time or equivalent jobs and generates $151,000 in local and state government revenues, the release said. It added that the impact from the 12 organizations that didn’t respond to the study would drive the numbers much higher.
The Maine communities that participated in the study are Kingfield, Phillips, Rangeley, Eustis and Carrabassett Valley.
“This research provides data indicating that the arts and cultural industry has significant impact in our rural community,” said Saskia Reinholt, executive director of the HPCC. “Here in the Maine High Peaks region, the cultural sector provides employment opportunities, supports businesses, attracts tourism, and lengthens the time visitors choose to stay here.”
The HPCC is a nonprofit networking organization with a mission to connect regional arts and cultural organizations around creative placemaking projects that benefit quality of life and support resilience in the local economy.
Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations in the Maine High Peaks region spent $733,718 during fiscal year 2015. This spending includes obtaining and up-keeping assets in the community, compensating staff, buying goods and materials, and contracting services. Those dollars spent produced $424,000 in household income for residents and $56,000 in local and state government revenues, the release said.
Besides the organizational expenditures, Maine High Peaks region nonprofit arts and cultural industry managed to leverage $1,021,519 in audience event-related spending, the release said. Cultural event participants from local communities frequently dine in eateries, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay for a babysitter, spending on average $32.67 beyond ticket price.
The study indicates that 47.1 percent of attendees reside outside the Maine High Peaks region. Audiences from out of town often stay overnight, purchase meals, refreshments, and souvenirs, spending on average $46.39 per day. This data provides evidence that the arts and cultural industry benefits local businesses. Maine High Peaks participation in the study was funded in part by the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. The commission also studied Bangor, Belfast, Portland, and Waterville.
For more information on the study visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners
PHOTO: The Kingfield Pops is one of the many arts and cultural events that contributes to the area’s economy. (Scott Landry photo)
