Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Carol Batchelder
RFA Board Member
RANGELEY — Following the largest national study of its kind, Rangeley now has hard facts to show the Rangeley Friends of the Art’s positive impact on the community.
The study focused solely on the economic impact of local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and event-related spending by audiences.
“By every measure, the results of Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 prove that the arts are an industry — a generator of government revenue, a cornerstone of tourism, and an employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.
“Leaders who care about community and economic vitality, growing tourism, attracting an innovative workforce and community engagement can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts.”
Key Findings for Rangeley:
* The RFA generates $297.2 thousand of economic activity — $122.2 thousand in spending by the RFA and an additional $174.9 thousand in event-related expenditures by their audiences. * The RFA and its audiences supported 7.1 jobs and generated $22 thousand in revenue to local, state and federal governments.
* Based on the 448 audience surveys conducted, the RFA arts attendee spends $32.67 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission.
* Forty seven percent of those surveyed were from outside Franklin county. Their event-related spending was more than twice that of their local counterparts ($46.39 vs. $20.43).
* The RFA’s audiences have told the organization that not only do they want a local first run movie house; they also want community and professional entertainment and arts education for youth.
The $22,000 revenue generated by the RFA that flowed back to the government shows municipal, state and federal arts support is not a one-way street. Rather, there is a substantial benefit to government accompanying the public good that the RFA and its audiences provide to the community.
