The Economic Impact of the Arts on Wisconsin and Whitewater

City Manager Report 06/04/10 - Kevin Brunner

During our Regional Jefferson County Economy of the Arts discussion early today, the following statistics were presented by the Wisconsin Arts Board.  The total annual expenditures for non-profit arts and cultural organizations and their audience in the state of Wisconsin is over $418,000,000. There are 15,103 full-time equivalent jobs are supported through the arts and cultural organizations.  Revenue generated to local government annual is over 27.4 million. 

It’s impressive to note the large number of businesses that enhanced partnerships that we have right here in Whitewater related to the arts. 

Arts-related businesses:

• Young Auditorium - Cultural Arts Center -Studio 8
• theGuild ontheTriangle Gallery & Shoppe - Sweet Spot - Green House Café
• UWW Crossman Gallery - UWW Fiskum Gallery
• R & R Music -Art & Image (framing) - GMA Printing
  Historic photos in Main Street Shops

Arts events that engage the public:

• Public Light pole Art (summer)
• Public art auction (September)
• Member art sale (November & December)
• Annual WRAP Show at CAC (January)
• Annual WRAP show at Crossman (June)
• Annual Photography show (August)
• Performances/informances (on-going)
• Specialty show:
  

1. Curtis Photography
2. Miracles of the Spirit
3. Leon Pescheret

City-Arts Partnerships:

• Prairie Tillers mural - Cravath Lakefront Park Arch
• Cultural Arts Center in White Memorial Building
• Proposed sculptures

Arts-community Partnerships:

• Sculpture Whitewater Walk (map; website)
• Fourth of July celebration
• Downtown Design Committee – mural assistance
• Taste of Whitewater - Holiday Parade
• UWW student art shows at CAA - Cinco de Mayo

As we go forward with struggling to maintain local government services, it’s good to keep in mind the value that arts and recreation bring to our community in terms of economic development and gain.  www.ci.whitewater.wi.us