More News

Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County details economic impact of local arts industry

By Stephanie Meador, posted 1 year ago
Bob Pinson shared statistics about the impact of the arts and cultural sector on our local economy at The Arts Council's “Morning of Insights”

On Tuesday, April 16, The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County hosted “Morning of Insights,” a look into the economic impact of the arts in our community.  

Across North Carolina, the arts and cultural industry is a $2.23 billion industry.

“Arts and cultural organizations are also businesses; we often don't think of them as businesses. We think of them just as entertainment. We are businesses. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses and produce authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists and new residents,” remarked Bob Pinson, President/CEO of the Arts Council. 

The arts and cultural industry generated $72.2 million in total activity in 2022 in Cumberland County. That economic activity supported 1111 jobs, provided $44.1 million in personal income to residents and generated $9.5 million in tax revenue.

“A vibrant arts and cultural community keeps local residents and their discretionary dollars in the community,” remarked Pinson.

Pinson also emphasized how arts and culture drive commerce. People attending cultural events spend an average of $30.44 per person, and this is not including the cost of admission to the event. These payments include things like dining out, paying for parking, utilizing public transportation and more, all of which bolster our local economy. 

Additionally, arts and cultural events boost tourism. Pinson shared that 22.3 percent of attendees to events are visitors traveling from outside Cumberland County. 

Pinson concluded the event with this message: “When we invest in the arts, we are investing in an industry that strengthens the economy and builds livable communities.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Cape Fear Regional Theatre hosts official groundbreaking for Act 2: Expansion and Renovation

Cape Fear Regional Theatre officially broke ground on an expansion and renovation of their facility at 1209 Hay St. on April 7. Photos by GFBJ.At noon today, April 7, Cape Fear Regional Theatre officially broke ground on an expansion and renovation o


DistiNCtly Fayetteville announces the first ever Fayetteville Tourism Awards and Annual Tourism Summit

DistiNCtly Fayetteville is calling all hospitality businesses throughout Cumberland County’s vast tourism industry to submit their nominations for the 2025 DistiNCtly Fayetteville Tourism Awards coming to the community on Sept. 18, 2025. This is


Quite an improvement: Fort Bragg's homestead project brings $91 million investment to improve military housing

Renovations to a roof in the Pope Army Airfield's Hillcrest neighborhood is part of the Homestead Project. Photo by Jason Ragucci, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Office.Fort Bragg is undergoing a transformation with the launch of the Homestead Pr