Grand Rapids arts and culture has $300M economic impact yearly, new study finds
Posted By: mlive on February 26, 2025. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
The Arts & Culture Collective of Grand Rapids (ACCGR) has released a comprehensive economic impact study that underscores the significant contributions of the city’s arts and cultural sector. The study reveals that participating ACCGR organizations generate over $300 million in economic impact annually, attract nearly 1.3 million visitors to the greater Grand Rapids area, and employ 2,500 people.
Some of the ACCGR organizations include St. Cecilia Music Center, Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Symphony, several museums, Meijer Gardens, Broadway GR and ArtPrize.
“The arts and culture sector is a powerhouse for our region,” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place and ACCGR steering committee member. “These institutions are at the heart of our community’s growth and vitality. They are not only cultural treasures but also key drivers of economic prosperity, proving that investing in our local institutions is investing in our future.”
Beyond the economic figures, the arts are an integral part of what makes the city a dynamic and thriving community. The sector fosters creativity, inspires innovation and provides a platform for diverse voices to be heard, strengthening the social fabric of the region.
The ripple effects of this impact extend far beyond the arts sector itself. Local businesses, including restaurants, hotels and retail establishments, benefit from the influx of visitors attending local events. This relationship highlights the crucial role of nonprofit arts and culture organizations as a cultural cornerstone and key economic contributor to Kent County.
Steff Rosalez, co-chair of ACCGR and CEO of Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, said fostering tourism is just one part of the city’s economic impact.
“This initial study begins to quantify what we already know: arts and culture play a vital role in our community,” Rosalez said. “Beyond enriching our cultural landscape, these organizations are pivotal economic drivers. The arts and culture sector creates jobs, supplements education, and enhances the overall quality of life, which encourages people who work in other sectors to live, invest, and raise families here.”
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