Groundbreaking Study Reveals Economic and Social Impact of $97.4 Million in Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector in Lincoln

The Lincoln Arts Council (LAC) announced today that Lincoln’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $97.4 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity–$54.5 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $42.9 million in event-related spending by their audiences supported nearly 1,800 jobs and generated $14.1 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry.

"Our vibrant nonprofit arts community in Lincoln has once again proven its significance, contributing $97.4 million to our local economy in 2022. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the power of the arts, not only as a cultural force but as a driver of economic prosperity and community pride,” says Lincoln Arts Executive Director Troy Gagner, “We're proud to continue our mission of fostering a dynamic arts scene, empowering local artists, and providing artistic experiences that enrich and connect our community."

The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities. By measuring the industry’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies.

Key Findings from AEP6 Lincoln: 

• Lincoln’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $42.9 million in event-related spending by its audiences.

• The typical attendee spends $27.85 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.

• 94% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.” 

• 89% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”

See overview of all findings at artscene.org/aep6lincolnsummary. See full report on study findings at artscene.org/aep6lincolnfullreport.

See full announcement release here.