By investing in the arts, the public sector is fostering a skilled work force of creative occupations that contribute to economic productivity. The arts employ people working in a wide variety of roles, including individual artists, managers, marketers, technicians, teachers, designers and carpenters. Like other occupations, arts jobs help to pay mortgages and send children to college. There are 5.1 million arts and cultural sector jobs in the United States, which, combined, pay $404.9 billion. The arts and culture industry produces substantial federal, state and local tax revenue—$27.5 billion in 2015—and it continues to grow as a segment of the national economy. Furthermore, for every arts job created, another 1.61 jobs are created in other sectors.
Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account
Arts & Economic Prosperity 5
Research Brief #1, National Summary