AEP6 Survey Study

November 8 Community Celebration to reveal arts economic impact data and
feature performances by C.R.O.W. and a special guest.
Who says the arts matter in Florence? You do! We all know that the arts and culture add to the beauty
and vibrancy of Florence, but do they really have an actual economic impact? We now have the answer.
For the past year, a Steering Committee of local citizens and volunteers has been gathering data through
audience surveys at twenty five different community events; including theater performances, car shows,
art exhibits and other activities. This ensures that we have received data from a broad cross- section of
audiences. Our thanks to the more than 1,000 people who completed our surveys, which asked about
their spending while attending these events. In addition 15 local organizations completed an
organizational survey detailing the resources they spend supporting arts and culture events. We now
have this data and are excited to present it to the greater Florence community.
This research is part of the national “Arts and Economic Prosperity Study” which happens every five
years across the country. It is sponsored by Americans for the Arts in Washington D.C. In Oregon the
study (AEP6) is supported by the Oregon Arts Commission and Travel Oregon and, locally by the Florence
Regional Arts Alliance ( FRAA). This is the first time the study has ever been done in Florence.
The Community Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 8 will be interesting and FUN! It will feature beverages
and hors d’oeuvres as well as two songs by C.R.O.W. performers. We also will have a special guest. Based
on our success in gathering data, Florence is one of only nine cities in Oregon ( out of the 21 who
participated) to receive a visit from Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research, with Americans for the
Arts in Washington D.C. He will explain the significance of the local data as well as the state and national
information.
This data is invaluable to local business, City government, arts organizations and artists, as well as
interested citizens who want to understand the actual economic impact of the arts and culture in our
community. For example, it will show the dollar amounts that are spent on restaurants, bars, hotels and
souvenir shops every time there is an arts and culture event in our community. This data will help secure
grants and other local funding in addition to providing data for our legislators to use in securing more
funding for the arts in our area.
Come join us at the Florence Events Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 4 – 5:30pm and let us show you
what you told us.
AEP6 Florence Steering Committee:
● Kristin Anderson
● Jo Beaudreaux
● Maree Beers
● Jesse Dolin
● Bettina Hannigan
● Susy Lacer
● Harlen Springer