The Arts Contribute More Than $114 Billion to New York State Economy

New York, NY – New York State’s arts and cultural industries generate $114.1 billion to the state economy, employ 462,584, and award $46.7 billion in compensation, according to new data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).  

Produced by the NEA and BEA, the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA) quantifies New York’s role as a national leader in economic output through the arts. Of the total $760 billion generated by the arts nationwide, New York’s $114.1 billion accounts for 15 percent. At the state level, the cultural sector accounts for 7.8% of the value added to the state’s economy – more than retail, construction or transportation. New York ranks second among all states in arts and cultural value added to the economy and in arts and cultural employment.

With the support of Governor Cuomo, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) cultivates the state’s thriving creative economy through 15 grant programs and the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative. In 2018, NYSCA awarded $41M through direct grants and regrants to 2,400 organizations and artists across New York State. This funding included $5M in dedicated REDC support to initiatives that drive economy through the arts.

New York’s top ACPSA industry by value added is motion pictures, which alone contributes $28.15 billion to the state economy. Among top ACPSA core industries – originators of ideas and content associated with the creation of arts and culture – are performing arts companies ($3.8 billion) and independent artists, writers, and performers ($3.2 billion). These figures reflect New York’s value on creativity as a pillar of both identity and economy and the state’s role as home to Academy Award-winning films; world-class theatre, museums, music and dance; and hundreds of thousands of artists.

To support New York State’s top creative industries, in 2018, NYSCA awarded $2M through the agency's Electronic Media & Film Program, $3M through its Theatre Program, and $1.35M through its Individual Artists Program. An additional $750,000 through its State & Local Partnership Program supported the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship.

NYSCA funding has also supported the creation of new works by Pulitzer Prize, Academy Award, Tony Award and MacArthur Award winners whose successes continue to grow New York as a global cultural center.

NYSCA support strengthens New York State’s creative culture and fulfills a critical role in New York communities in all 62 State counties. The agency advances cultural organizations and artists of all disciplines and spurs the creation of workforce investment programs and public arts events that further grow New York’s economy, stimulate tourism and benefit local businesses. 

Source: The New York State Council on the Arts