Regional Vitality Depends on the Arts

New Haven's International Festival of Arts and Ideas attracts thousands of visitors every summer. Photo Credit: Judy Sirota Rosenthal

In the past half-century, the New Haven area has become a premier cultural destination. Its robust arts sector was built with multiple levels of financial support including philanthropy and public spending. A steep decline in state arts funding, however, combined with uncertainty over the Federal government's commitment to the arts, aging audiences and changing demographics has put local arts organizations in a precarious position.

While Greater New Haven has always supported the arts and its artists, a renewed commitment is needed to not only sustain this vital sector, but also continue building a place where people want to live, work and play.

Data source: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

The Numbers

• The arts and culture sector generates $653 million in economic activity in Connecticut and delivers $59 million in local and state government revenue¹.
• Connecticut's per-capita spending on the arts is $1.54; in Massachusetts, it's $2.08².
• 71% of Greater New Haven Residents use arts and cultural resources³.
• Every $1 of NEA direct funding leverages up to $9 in additional private and other public funds⁴.

Strong Returns on a Small Investment

Arts funding represents a tiny fraction of state and federal budgets, far below one percent of all public spending. Cutting public funds to arts programs therefore has a negligible impact on reducing budget deficits.

Conversely, public investment in the arts provides significant returns, both financially and in intangible benefits. Events held by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Guilford Craft Expo, the Shubert Theatre, Elm City Shakespeare and others generate not only ticket sales, but also revenues for nearby restaurants, hotels and parking.

A vibrant arts scene is also an important competitive edge for a city and region seeking growth by enticing new residents and businesses.

"The arts are a place to spend money and attract people," says Arts Council of Greater New Haven Executive Director Daniel Fitzmaurice. "Institutions like Arts & Ideas would never be where they are today without state support. As a state and region we need to reinvest in arts and culture. We will not be able to sustain our sector without public support."

A Vibrant Sector Decades in the Making

Many of New Haven's arts institutions took root during the 1960s. The Long Wharf Theatre Company was launched in a vacant food terminal warehouse in 1965 with the opening Arthur Miller's, The Crucible. A year later, the Yale Repertory Theater opened its doors and Paul Mellon donated his British Art collection and an endowment to create what became the Yale Center for British Art.

The decade also saw the Arts Council of Greater New Haven forge a long-term partnership with the city to transform an industrial area with a foundry into the Audubon Arts District. The district welcomed the Neighborhood Music School in 1968 and later became home to Creative Arts Workshop and Educational Center for the Arts.
The Community Foundation provided more than $500,000 to the Arts Council of Greater New Haven during the Audubon Arts District development and later partnered with the Council to develop The Community Foundation building, which is now home to the New Haven Ballet, the Arts Council, and The Community Foundation.

Today, Audubon Arts District draws several thousand students of all ages annually to a diversity of classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. These classes expand the pools of both trained artists and audiences, while also providing teaching jobs to the many artists who call Greater New Haven home.

Beyond Stability After the Economic Downturn

In the wake of the economic downturn of 2008, arts organizations experienced a decrease in financial support from all sources⁵. Overall trends in individual and foundation giving have since reversed and are now going up⁶. While federal NEA funding has remained relatively stable, state funding in Connecticut — a far larger source of revenue for local arts organizations — has continued to slide.