The reports are in and the numbers are stunning. In the Greater Washington Region the arts and culture industry pumps $1.5 Billion into the local economy. Not only that, the industry creates 29,003 jobs and generates $141Million in local and state government revenue. All over the region, government and arts and culture leaders are spreading this good news about one of the most stable and community rooted industries in America.
Listen to what leaders in the Greater Washington Region have to say:

Source: http://www.cultural-alliance.org/
In Montgomery County, we’re excited to announce that our arts and culture industry is an economic driver generating $151 Million in economic activity, producing 2,955 jobs and generating $10.3 Million in state and local revenues. Want to get the details? Check out our AEPIV micro-site by clicking here or listen to AHCMC CEO Suzan Jenkins in the video below.

Source: Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County
But don’t take our word for how great this is.  Listen to what business leaders, government officials and chambers of commerce leaders have to say:
“The arts are good business.”
– County Executive Isiah Leggett
“Governor O’Malley recognizes the arts as a key business in Maryland. At the State level, the economic impact of arts and culture is $1 billion dollars and creates nearly 11,000 jobs. In tough times, we can justify support for the arts, because the arts are good for Maryland and Maryland business.”
– Secretary Christian Johansson, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
“We need to bring the ability for arts and culture to create jobs front and center and move away from traditional discussions about the arts. It’s about jobs, jobs, jobs. Most employers in Montgomery County are small businesses, so the fact that cumulatively arts and culture generate 3,000 jobs is huge.”
– Steve Silverman, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development
“Arts organizations are businesses. Unlike other businesses, the arts generate event-related spending. A vibrant arts community is good for local businesses.
– Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts

“Arts are important to attract and retain a workforce.”
– Marilyn Balcombe, President and CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce

“The arts and humanities [are seen] as takers rather than givers, but this study blows the lid off that. I feel I have strength in hand when we go to corporate donors, because we are an income generator.”
– Tom Kuehhas, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Historical Society