A $6 million investment in arts and culture programs generated $173 million in economic activity in San Diego during the 2010 fiscal year, according to a report released the city today.
The "FY10 Arts and Culture Economic and Community Impact Report'' said
the money went to 70 organizations to fund events that entice visitors to stay
longer and spend more money. The funding came from the city's Commission for Arts and Culture.
"The report shows how the arts and culture organizations we support use creativity and innovation to help support our local economy,'' Mayor Jerry Sanders said at a news conference. "While there is no doubt that arts and cultural organizations have been affected by the national economic crisis, the impact of these organizations remains steady, which in this economy, is a huge success.''
According to the report, arts and cultural events funded by the commission attracted more than 1.48 million visitors to San Diego.
In the report for the 2009 fiscal year, it was estimated that 1.46 million visitors pumped $181 million into the area's economy.
San Diego County is home to 4,290 arts-related businesses, which employ nearly 23,000 people, the report stated.
