Arts and cultural organizations funded in part by the city of San Diego generated $191 million for the local economy in 2014 and employed nearly 6,300.
That was the conclusion of a report released Wednesday by the Council member Lorie Zapf and the city’s Commision for Arts and Culture and partner organizations.
“World-class arts and cultural programs are a vital component of a great city, not only because they enrich the lives of our residents, but because they also support thousands of good paying jobs and attract millions of dollars for our economy,” said Zapf. “When the arts and cultural organizations thrive, so does the city.”
Joining Zapf were representatives of the arts commission, the San Diego Tourism Authority and the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition.
“A dynamic arts and culture community keeps visitors coming back to enjoy San Diego,” said arts commissioner Rebecca Smith, who noted that arts-oriented visitors stay longer and spend more.
Last year attendance at arts and cultural institutions totaled 4.25 million people. The city assisted with funding for 80 arts and culture organizations and 43 neighborhood events.
The city contributed $6.4 million from its tax on hotel visitors, and that was matched with $7.1 million from national, state, county and tribal governments. Officials said they are seeing a modest increase in matching funds.
Smith said it’s important for San Diego’s students to encourage not just the knowledge of STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — but STEAM — which adds arts.
“These organizations also stimulate the minds of our youth, teaching them critical skills necessary to become future leaders and innovators,” she said.
