Arts and Culture Grow Wichita’s Economy

Gary Plummer is the President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. The numbers tell an impressive story. The non-profit arts and culture sector in Wichita is a significant contributor to the local economy, generating $94.7 million in total industry expenditures in 2015 (according to an updated study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology). Wichita’s arts and cultural offerings not only inspire joy and creativity, they also translate to 2,841 full-time equivalent jobs. The study confirms that “investing in this industry supports jobs, generates government revenue and is the cornerstone of tourism.” There’s no doubt that the arts impact the perception we have of our own community, which is why one of the Chamber’s four 2017 Strategic Priorities revolves around continuing to improve our Quality of Life. Identifying transformational community projects that helps us grow our community and economy is of vital importance to our members. The Wichita Art Museum won the Chamber's Keeper of the Plains award this year for the popular new Art Garden. Please take a moment to review the video prepared by Americans for the Arts and the area of the study that focuses on the economic impact of the arts on Wichita. Both are found on the Americans for the Arts web site. Video – Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 Economic impact of the arts - Wichita, Kansas  Better yet, make it a point to support our many cultural offerings in the area. We are enriched by the museums, theaters, film festivals and dance companies we are fortunate to enjoy in Wichita. They are a key factor in transforming our lives and helping us retain and grow our workforce and businesses.