Economic Impact of the Arts in TOPEKA.

In 2022, ArtsConnect participated in Arts & Economic Prosperity 6, a survey tool created by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) that provides information about the economic impact of the arts in Topeka based on data from nonprofit organizations as well as “audience intercept surveys” that were collected during events held in Topeka during 2022.

This survey tool gives us access to economic impact data that is specific to Topeka and makes it clear that the arts are a powerful driver of economic activity for residents and visitors alike. Arts & Economic Prosperity is widely regarded as the most comprehensive source for information about the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector available in the United States.

According to the results from the most recent survey, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Topeka generated $45.3 million in economic activity in 2022. That economic activity–$25.1 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $20.2 million in event-related spending by audiences supported 1,003 FTE equivalent jobs and generated $1.2 million in tax revenue to the City of Topeka.

The study also notes that 1 in 5 visitors to Topeka are attending arts-related events, and that these visitors spend more than TWICE the amount of money on these activities than is spent by resident attendees.

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. The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities. Learn more about the AEP6 survey methodology here.

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.