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Arts groups present creative-economy report: alliance urges task force, arts council outlines grants
Summary
The Wyoming Arts Alliance and Wyoming Arts Council briefed the committee on a statewide creative-economy study estimating multi-billion-dollar activity and tens of thousands of jobs tied to arts and culture, and outlined next steps including a proposed statewide task force, marketing work and continued Cultural Trust Fund activity.
The Wyoming Arts Alliance and the Wyoming Arts Council presented a creative-economy summary and state arts updates to the committee on Nov. 6. The Alliance reported results from an economic review it commissioned with the University of Wyoming that put the creative-economy contribution to the state at roughly $3.8 billion in activity and about 14,000 jobs, and estimated roughly $35 million in state and local tax revenue tied to arts-sector activity (figures reported as modeled estimates).
Why it matters: Committee members noted that creative industries contribute to economic diversification and workforce retention in communities across Wyoming. Presenters said arts-sector jobs and organizations are active in nearly every county and that measurable returns to public investment come from both direct spending and indirect activity (support businesses, tourism and related services).
Council programs and priorities: The Wyoming Arts Council described six grant programs, a new youth arts council for high-school students and a creative-aging grant that funds sequenced arts instruction for older adults; the arts council said it awarded roughly 58% of its funds in grants last year and matches federal National Endowment for the Arts funding with state dollars. The Cultural Trust Fund board meets regularly and will evaluate additional grant rounds; legislators were invited to observe the board’s grant-review meeting.
Next steps: The Arts Alliance said it will pursue a statewide creative-economy task force to develop a strategic plan and a marketing campaign called "Art Powers Wyoming" to raise visibility for arts activity and opportunities across the state.
Attribution: Economic results and program descriptions were presented by representatives from the Wyoming Arts Alliance, University of Wyoming (economic analysis) and the Wyoming Arts Council.
