Washington D.C., Tallahassee and Palm Beach County—the Cultural Council advocates for the arts at all levels of government. Considered globally as an economic driver, the cultural sector attracts talent and investment, builds international reputation and catalyzes innovation across all sectors of the economy.
Arts & Economic Prosperity 5
Conducted by Americans for the Arts, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) study documents the economic contributions of the nonprofit cultural sector nationally, as well as in 341 study regions. The Cultural Council sponsored the study for Palm Beach County and for five of the county’s largest cities: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach.
“By every measure, the results of AEP5 prove that the cultural sector in Palm Beach County generates significant economic activity, serves as a cornerstone of tourism and is an employment powerhouse.”
–Randy Cohen, vice president of research and policy at Americans for the Arts
The AEP5 study includes data from 79 cultural organizations in Palm Beach County. These results were combined with data from the 2015 Biennial Audience Survey that the Cultural Council conducts with 19 of the county’s largest organizations through its Tourism Development Council grant program (Category B).
“Collectively, all culture-related spending in Palm Beach County totaled more than $633.4 million during fiscal year 2015,” added Cohen. “These findings show conclusively that the arts mean business in The Palm Beaches.”
Nationally, the AEP5 study found that the arts and cultural sector generated $166.3 billion in economic activity in 2015 – $63.8 billion in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $102.5 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. This activity supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in government revenue.
The AEP5 survey findings in Palm Beach County and five of the county’s largest cities are available on this page, under “Research & Reports.”
By the Numbers
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Arts Advocacy News
Arts and Cultural Education Impact in Palm Beach County
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County commissioned this study to assess contributions made by the county’s nonprofit arts and cultural organizations to the School District of Palm Beach County and other Palm Beach County schools.
This pilot study provides a record of PreK-12 education activities delivered by 47 Palm Beach County nonprofit cultural organizations during the 2016-2017 school year. It is a first step toward better understanding the relationship between the cultural sector and the District and how to strengthen that relationship for the benefit of all students and educators. Never before has there been an inventory of this kind in Palm Beach County, and this is a first step toward a comprehensive approach understanding and planning for the system. Read more »
City of Lake Worth Launches Arts & Cultural Master Plan for Downtown Lake Worth
New plan offers strategies to enhance, grow and diversify Lake Worth’s downtown region After an 18-month planning process, the City of Lake Worth, Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced the launch of the Arts & Cultural Master Plan for Downtown Lake Worth. Download the plan […] Read more »
Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism in Palm Beach County
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
June 12, 20182017 Survey results released Results from FY 2017 Category B and C–II Organizations Attendee Surveys and Spending Data are now available. Summary | Full Report Read more »
The Cultural Council Partners With the Devos Institute of Arts Management to Offer Free Training and Consultation
updated June 11, 2018 The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland are pleased to announce the launch of a year-long training and consultation program for up to 10 cultural non-profits in Palm Beach County. Building on the Council’s robust history of professional development […] Read more »
Palm Beach County Cultural Groups Will Feel the Pain of State Grant Cuts
The Palm Beach Post
May 5, 2018The state’s $88.7 billion budget includes just $2.65 million for cultural grants, which will be spread among 489 organizations statewide that have been vetted by the Division of Cultural Affairs. That’s down 90 percent from the $25 million allocated last year. Read more »
NEA Receives Funding Increase
Americans for the Arts
March 20, 2018Congress is proposing to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) each at $152.8 million. This is a funding increase of $3 million to support more direct grants and expand access to creative arts therapies for the military. This final budget is in stark contrast to […] Read more »
Cultural Coalition
The Cultural Coalition convenes the leaders of Palm Beach County’s nonprofit cultural organizations together regularly to discuss and act upon issues and initiatives of mutual benefit to the respective cultural organizations and to the people who live in and visit Palm Beach County.
The purpose of this collaborative work is to ensure that the cultural sector is relevant to the community, its leaders, and its citizens, a fact that will be evident when the cultural sector is included in long range community plans, funding plans, and important community decisions.
Research & Reports
Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism in Palm Beach County (FY2017)
Results from FY 17 Category B and C-II Organizations Attendee Surveys and Spending Data
Summary | Full Report
Arts and Economic Prosperity 5
Americans for the Arts
Arts Education Impact in Palm Beach County
Quick Facts | Complete Survey Findings
Arts & Cultural Master Plan for Downtown Lake Worth
The City of Lake Worth and the Lake Worth CRA
Palm Beach County and Florida DCA Funding: 5-year History
Florida Cultural Alliance
TAKE ACTION
Arts-friendly policies and funding need consistent support and the Council fights on the front lines to educate elected officials on the economic and quality-of-life benefits of the arts.
The Council can’t tackle these issues alone. Advocacy earns results by participation and strong voices from constituents. That’s you!
It takes two minutes to contact your representative with the simple facts stated here. Please use the links below to do just that.
• Palm Beach County
• Florida Senators and Representatives
• U.S. Senators and Representatives
Cultural Advocacy Groups
Find links to local, state and national arts advocacy organizations here:
