Impact of the Arts in Iowa

Iowa is a creative state. As home to one of the 40 most arts-vibrant cities (Des Moines) and one of the top 10 small creative cities (Iowa City) in the U.S. - along with art-filled main streets, cultural and entertainment districts, and creative communities from river to river - Iowa abounds with arts and culture.

Iowa is fertile ground for artists, artisans, and creatives of all kinds. Nearly 40,000 Iowans work in the creative sector — from designers, filmmakers, and culinary professionals to creative writers, visual artists and culture bearers. Dance, theatre and musical performers are also part of the creative sector.

Artists and creatives are embedded into the fabric of every Iowa community and are at work every day preserving our heritage, documenting our stories, and imagining our future.

The results of the sixth national Arts and Economic Prosperity study (AEP6), conducted by Americans for the Arts, were released in October 2023.

AEP6 is an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry.

Nearly 6,000 Iowans and 565 non-profit organizations, representing 10 Iowa communities and regions, participated in AEP6.

AEP6 Study Findings
All findings were for the period of May 2022 to June 2023.

Iowa non-profit arts and culture organizations employed more than 12,400 Iowans and accounted for more than $750 million in economic activity in Iowa.
Visitors to arts and cultural events spent more than $277 million, with visitors spending nearly $31 per event, on average, on food and beverages, shopping, lodging and other purchases -- all on top of the price of tickets and admission.
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences directly generated more than $431 million in personal income to Iowa residents and contributed more than $36 million in tax revenue to cities and counties and $43 million to the state.

Arts & Culture Build Jobs and the Economy Arts and culture support jobs, generate revenue for local businesses, and provide authentic cultural experiences that strengthen tourism.

Arts & Culture Build More Livable Communities Arts and culture bring beauty to cities and towns, joy to residents, and celebrate and preserve diverse cultural expressions and traditions — improving emotional health and well-being.

Arts & Culture Build Creativity and Innovation Arts and culture power the creative communities where people want to live and work, where entrepreneurs and innovation thrive, and where students have access to artistic and cultural experiences that build an innovative mindset.

Arts & Culture Build Empathy and Understanding Arts and culture fosters empathy, tolerance and inclusion by enabling people to see the world from the diverse perspectives of their community.

Arts & Culture Build Social Connections Arts and culture create opportunities for shared experiences that strengthen social bonds, create a sense of belonging, and community pride and identity.

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Impact of the Arts in Iowa

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Impact of the Arts in Iowa

Arts and Economic Prosperity 6

Impact of the Arts and Culture in Iowa

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