Spokane Arts Groups Generate $31 Million

Spokane arts organizations last year generated more than $31 million for the local economy, drawing 416,000 people to 715 events, a study found.

Twenty-three non-profit arts organizations garnered revenue of $12.4 million, and spent $11 million in the community, according to a study by the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Spokane Class of ‘95.

Using a standard multiplier of the money spent by the arts, the study estimated that $31 million was generated in the economy in 1994.

“The arts are on the increase. It’s become big business,” said chamber spokesman Michael Archer, noting that 14 arts organizations in 1992 accounted for a total economic impact of $11 million.

Spokane arts organizations in 1994 employed 3,415 full- and part-time employees, with another 3,575 volunteers. The organizations received $2.6 million in government support, or 21 percent of their total income. , DataTimes