'Remarkable return' shows in social, artistic and economic impact

edmontonjournal.com

Published: Thursday, December 07, 2006

The economic impact of the arts and culture sector has grown considerably in the last six years, according to a study commissioned by the Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Economic Development Corp.

Between 1999 and 2005, the economic impact grew from $82.5 million to $123.7 million.

“This remarkable return on the City of Edmonton’s investment shows in social, artistic and economic indicators,” says Allan Scott, president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corp. “This investment is helping to build on the outstanding quality of life this region offers.”

In the same six-year period, the number of active arts and festival organizations grew to 126 from 101. Patrons attending arts events grew from 2.7 million to 3.9 million.

“The study shows not only the very positive return on investment realized in this sector but also an impressive growth in that return,” says John Mahon, executive director of the Edmonton Arts Council.

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