Key Findings
Communities with greater access to arts organizations have:
- 33% more volunteers supporting nonprofit organizations
- 7% more active voters who are registered and eligible for voting
- 3% lower levels of income inequality
- Over eight times more community gathering spaces, with an average of 16 nonprofit gathering spaces per 10,000 residents, compared to fewer than two in low-density areas
Communities with the highest per capita state arts funding through ArtsWA grantmaking have:
- an average of $22.36 in hotel/motel tax revenue per capita, compared to just $0.03
- 2% more active voters who are registered and eligible for voting
- 1% fewer seniors living alone
Rural communities experience even greater benefits from arts investment. Increased state arts funding correlates with higher local tourism revenue and greater economic stability in rural areas.
Despite a thriving arts sector, Washington lags in state arts funding. With just $0.98 per capita in arts funding—far below the national average of $2.29 per capita—there is a critical need for increased investment to support the state’s cultural infrastructure.
For in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable recommendations, explore the full Livability Impact Study of the Arts on ArtsFund’s website.
It’s free!