The LVACA is excited to be the Lehigh Valley’s research partner for AEP6, a nation-wide economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and cultural industry. The results of the AEP6 will help us understand how arts and culture programs impact neighborhood pride and cultural identity, and how arts and culture boosts local economies through job creation, tourism, and support for small business. In addition to national data, we’ll also gain insights about the arts and culture activity of the Lehigh Valley’s 200+ arts and cultural organizations. To make this study a success, LVACA is working with organizations that represent a broad cross-section of the Lehigh Valley’s unique and diverse arts and culture community. 

The work to collect data for AEP6 began in Spring 2022 and will continue through mid-2023 with the support of business, government and education leaders. At the conclusion of the study, LVACA will host a launch event and workshops to share the study’s findings, celebrate the impact arts and cultural organizations have throughout the Lehigh Valley, and help organizations learn how to utilize the data as they plan future events, connect with artists and community members, and seek sponsorships and funding.

LVACA will be working with the Counties of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Discover Lehigh Valley to bring the study to fruition and distribute its final analytics throughout the arts and cultural community and Funders.