Arts Economic Impact in Lubbock

Last year, arts and cultural nonprofit organizations in Lubbock generated almost $100 million in economic activity. Leaders from the Lubbock community and Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing the arts on Oct. 4 announced the results a study that defines the impact of that activity on local residents and the economy.

The study, "Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: Impact Study for the Arts in Lubbock," was conducted by ARTS Lubbock, a partnership between the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, the Lubbock Arts Alliance, the Lubbock Entertainment/Performing Arts Association (LEPAA), LHUCA, Texas Tech University, the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) and numerous other art and cultural organizations throughout the city.

The data in the study was collected from 51 eligible arts and cultural nonprofit organizations throughout the city and from 1,184 audience surveys collected from attendees at performances, events and exhibits. Economic impact was defined by four economic measures: full-time equivalent jobs, resident household income and revenue to local and state governments.

Key figures from the data show that in 2017, arts and cultural nonprofit organizations spent $55.88 million in Lubbock, while their audiences – totaling nearly 2 million in attendance – spent an additional $43.86 million. That economic activity supported 3,447 full-time jobs while generating $71.65 million in household income to local residents and $10.15 million in local and state government revenue.

An additional analysis conducted by Hanover Research showed that the TCVPA's total impact on the economic region was more than $29 million on Lubbock County and the eight surrounding counties, with another $23 million on counties within a 200-mile radius.

For more information about the complete study, including data from the national study, visit the Americans for the Arts website.

* Information taken from a news release by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.