Study shows Guilford County arts had $240M economic impact

A national study found that the arts and culture industry in Guilford County generated more than $240 million in economic activity last fiscal year.

According to the study by Americans for the Arts, audiences spent $133 million on events between 2022 and 2023. Arts Council of Greater Greensboro President and CEO Laura Way says the research shows how supportive people have been. She says it also demonstrates how valuable the arts are.

"It's not just good to have and fun to have, it's critical to have," Way says. "They drive economic outcomes, but they also drive health outcomes, community outcomes. They attract people to come and stay in a community."

According to the report, spending from arts organizations and audiences supported more than 4,000 jobs. Way says it shows the impact of the work being done locally. But the industry is still feeling the aftershock of the pandemic.

She says her organization is focusing on sustainability to ensure the local arts scene will thrive.