PHOENIX, Ariz. — Arizona’s growing arts and culture sector is making an increasingly significant contribution to the state’s economy and communities, according to a new report from Common Sense Institute (CSI) Arizona. From major institutions in Phoenix and Tucson to galleries, festivals and arts organizations in rural communities, the sector supports economic activity across the state while contributing to the character and vibrancy of Arizona communities.
Key Findings
- Arizona’s arts sector directly and indirectly contributes $18.4 billion in total economic output, translating to approximately $11.5 billion in state GDP and more than 113,000 jobs.
- Arizona’s major arts institutions serve more than 2 million patrons annually. The state’s arts ecosystem is anchored by institutions including the Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arizona, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum and Mesa Arts Center, alongside a growing network of galleries, festivals and arts organizations across the state.
- Arizona’s core arts industries are among the fastest-growing in the country. Core arts value added increased 123% from 2013 to 2023, ranking 5th nationally for growth.
- Arizona has significant room for continued growth. The state ranks 41st on CSI’s Arts Intensity Index and 47th in arts nonprofits per capita, despite strong performance among existing organizations. Arizona ranks 7th nationally in revenue per arts nonprofit.
- A stronger arts sector is associated with future income growth. CSI estimates that a one-percentage-point increase in the core arts sector’s share of a state economy is associated with approximately $1,700 to $2,200 in additional per-capita personal income growth five years later.
“Arizona’s economy has transformed over the past decade, and our arts sector has grown right alongside it,” said Katie Ratlief, Executive Director of Common Sense Institute. “What this research shows is that the arts are not simply a reflection of a thriving economy. They can be part of what makes an economy thrive. Arizona already has high-performing institutions and tremendous momentum, and as our state continues to grow, there is a real opportunity for the arts to play an even greater role in Arizona’s economic future.” Arizona’s growing prosperity provides additional capacity for that growth. Average annual household income increased from $68,103 in 2014 to $110,522 in 2024, rising from 90% to 97% of the national average. CSI finds that continued economic expansion, particularly in the Phoenix metropolitan area, presents significant opportunities for Arizona’s arts sector to expand alongside the state’s growing population and economy.
