The Economic Impact Of Artists and Art Organizations In New Hampshire

Learn Why The Arts Matter To NH Residents

New Hampshire is a small but diverse place. All communities, however, from small towns to bigger cities, have one thing in common – Art. If you walk down the main street of any town in New Hampshire you are sure to see a combination of galleries, museums, and theaters. The arts do not only provide New Hampshire with culture and beauty but also improve the economy and quality of life.

Artists and Art Organizations Are Good For New Hampshire’s Economy

While art and economics are generally viewed as unrelated, they are in fact intertwined. The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and Americans for the Arts did a survey measuring the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations across New Hampshire. Tom Putnam, the retired director of New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts put the results this way: "This study shows that the arts are a very important component of our New Hampshire economy. The arts enrich our lives every day…all the while making creative jobs and providing income - who could ask for more from any industry.”

According to this survey, nonprofit arts and culture generated $115 million in economic activity in 2010 in our state, more than double the national median. In the five years since the arts have only continued to grow in New Hampshire. Concord is a wonderful example of this. All facts and figures aside, you can see evidence of this flourishing culture by simply walking down Main Street. An artistic landmark anchors each end of the street: The Kimball Jenkins School of Art on North Main Street has served aspiring artists for more than 30 years and on the south end stands the Capitol Center for the Arts, which has entertained a generation (or two). Between these two cultural hubs are galleries, stores, museums, and theaters. You can see a movie at Concord’s indie theater, Red River, buy a handmade gift at the League of New Hampshire Craftsman headquarters, browse fascinating art at T. Devaney Fine Arts, or make your own jewelry at Bead It, to name a few. 

The Arts Contribute to New Hampshire Tourism

While businesses open and close all the time, these establishments have all been open for at least 8 years and show no sign of closing anytime soon. Locals are not the only ones who appreciate New Hampshire’s art. Tourism is New Hampshire’s second-biggest industry and the arts contribute so much to it. Art supplies so much to our state’s economy, refinement, and lifestyle. Although art is constantly evolving, it is timeless and so are its benefits. 

Join us in applauding the presidential candidates who understand the economic, educational and community impact a robust arts industry provides...and let's make sure our next President is committed to investing in American jobs and the arts.

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