An Americans for the Arts – Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study (AEP6), reports that the arts sector adds $868 million to the economies of St. Louis and St. Louis County. The study was conducted in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL), the largest public funder of art and culture in the region.
In addition, the arts and culture sector has created about 12,000 jobs, with wages topping $611 million annually, according to the study. More than 8.1 million local and out-of-town tourists attended St. Louis theatre performances, concerts, art fairs, festivals, and more in 2022 .
The impact is also felt statewide, with arts and culture adding more to the state’s economy than construction, transportation and agriculture.
In 2023, RACSTL awarded almost $4.5 million in grant funding. In Oct. 2022, it received $10.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding after St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones initiated the legislation that received unanimous approval from the city Board of Aldermen as well as support from Comptroller Darlene Green.
