Resources
Economic Development
The Economic Impact of Montana Artists
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
The arts community is often overlooked when states are focusing on economic development. Sectors like mining or construction are perceived to provide many well-paying jobs and lots of economic activity. Art is not. But the reality is that the art sector of the Montana economy may be a far more powerful economic engine than realized. Survey data indicates that responding Montana artists generated more than $28 million in sales during 2003, with more than $21 million coming from outside the state. These sales supported more than 729 jobs in the state's economy and spawned additional spending of $11 million in non-art-related businesses. Extrapolating the sample data to the identified population of artists in Montana shows economic effects of over $233 million, with 77 % of the goods and services produced being sold to out-of-state buyers.(1) This sales level would be responsible for providing over 4,200 full-time jobs throughout the state. Artists clearly have a significant impact on the state's economy and should be viewed as an economic development engine similar to construction or mining. Artists are attracted to Montana and many remain here for more than 20 years. Montana has the potential to benefit significantly by appealing to an industry that already acknowledges the attractiveness of living in the state.
(1)Number of artists reported in Montana based on data from U.S. Department of Census, Artist Labor Force by State, 2000
