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The arts and culture sector is a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and 1 is the cornerstone of tourism. An art district in the downtown will contribute to a positive public image; business, community, and cultural diversity; and the tax revenue base. According to a study by the US Department of Agriculture, the national average of annual sales at farmers’ markets across the country is $312,000. This national average is thought to be low, and 2 Eugene’s markets are actually considered larger than the average farmers’ market. Money spent at a farmers’ market supports small and medium sized growers in the region who oftentimes are not able to market their produce to larger venues. In many cases, a farmers’ market provides supplemental income or is the small or medium-sized farmer’s sole source of income. 3 Permanent Jobs: Currently in Eugene, 617 arts and culture related businesses provide 2,891 jobs. The majority of these jobs and businesses are clustered in downtown. However, arts and entertainment related businesses do more than provide permanent jobs within that industry. The events and performances sponsored by the arts and culture sector attract visitors to the downtown whose purchases cause rippling economic effects in other sectors. Downtown restaurants, hotels, parking garages, and retail stores all experience positive economic benefits from visitors to arts and culture related events. In turn, downtown businesses are able to retain their employees and to expand their businesses. Indirect Economic Impacts: A vibrant arts and entertainment community is good for local businesses. By improving the quality and livability of downtown with the addition of a designated Arts and Entertainment District, downtown will become more attractive to companies considering relocation. In this way, supporting the District may attract additional sources of revenue and contribute to the overall economic vitality of the area. SPECIFIC CITY ACTIONS Signage & Wayfinding : The Arts and Unfunded City Action Funded Entertainment District needs a distinct, Estimate identifiable character to serve as a local Signage & Wayfinding - $ 150,000 destination, coordinate marketing efforts, Public Art - $ 300,000 and draw visitors to downtown. Overall Public Amenities & Infrastructure - $ 250,000 concept design and installation at key Park Blocks Improvements - $ 300,000 locations would cost approximately Farmers’ Market Expansion - $ 4,100,000 $150,000. Signage for individual Programming $ 15,000 $ 50,000 businesses could be coordinated with the Total $ 15,000 $ 5,150,000 wayfinding system. *General estimates in current dollars Public Art: The installation of additional public art downtown would allow a creative identity and image to define the District and reinforce Eugene’s distinctive community character. Selection of the pieces would be determined by the City’s Public Art Committee and coordinated with the Public Arts Master Plan. Primary locations for the pieces would be along Willamette and Broadway and in the 1 Americans for the Arts, Economic Impacts http://www.artsusa.org/information_services/research/services/economic_impact/default.asp 2 This statement is based on information from Larry Lev, a professor in Oregon State University’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. 3 This statement is based on a presentation by Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts. (11/6/09, Hult Center for the Performing Arts)