Item B: Arts & Economic Prosperity IV (AEP4)

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Cultural Events attract New Dollars and Retain Local Dollars The City of Eugene's nonprofit arts and culture sector provides attractions that draw visitors to the community. In fact, 54.4 percent of all non - resident survey respondents reported that the primary reason for their trip was "specifically to attend this arts/cultural event." In addition, 11.9 percent of the City of Eugene's non - resident survey respondents r eprited that they will spend at least one night away from home in the City of Eugene as a direct result of attending the cultural event. Non - ncsident attendees who stay overnight in paid lodging spend an average: of 33.98 per person as a result of their atlendance- -significantly more than the overall per person averaSQ for all non-resident attendees to events in the City of Eugene $38.92. Finally, the audience survey respondents were asked, "If this event were not happening, would you have traveled . to another community to attend a similar cultural experience?" 31.3 percent of the City of Ergene's resident cultural attendees report that ehey would have Traveled to a different comonunity in order to attend a similar cultural experience. 46.6 percent of the City of Eugene's nca- resident cultural attendees report the sauce. These figures demonstrate the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture in the purest sense. if community does not provide a variety of artistic and cultural experiences, it evil I fail to attract the new dollars of cultural tourists, It will also lose the discretionary spending of its local residents who will travel elsewhere to experience the rails. "As a banker, T have visited businesses in almost every city and town in Oklahoma. Then: is a visible difference in places with a vibrant arts community. t see people looping for places to park, stores staying, open late, and restaurants packed with diners ... the business day is extended and the cash registers are ringing." Ken Fergeson Chairman & CEO, NBanC Fast President, American Bankers Association Cultural Attendees are Artists! ■ 59.8 pet -cent of the City of Eugene's arts attendees report that they actively participate in the creation o f the arts (c.g., sung in a chair, act in a community play, paint. or draw, play an instalment). 10 Arts & EconorrriC Prospv y 1V j Ammicans for the Arts