Arts & Economic Prosperity - Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance

The Impact of Arts & Culture in the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley’s arts and culture scene is more than just a source of creativity and entertainment—it’s a thriving economic engine and a cornerstone of community well-being. The Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance partnered with Americans for the Arts to lead the local effort of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, a nationwide examination of how nonprofit arts and culture organizations impact economies and communities. Conducted from summer 2022 to summer 2023, the study involved hundreds of organizations and engaged audiences throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Below are the top takeaways from the AEP6 study that underscore the immense value arts and culture bring to the region.

Lehigh Valley’s Arts & Culture Economy by the Numbers

In 2022, the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Lehigh Valley generated a remarkable $171.4 million in economic activity. This included $80.6 million spent directly by organizations and $90.8 million in event-related spending by attendees. The ripple effect? It supported 2,590 local jobs, contributed $104.0 million in personal income, and generated $32.1 million in tax revenue across local, state, and federal governments.

Building Community Pride

Lehigh Valley residents take great pride in their local arts institutions. According to the survey, 91.0% of attendees agree that the arts and cultural activities they attended foster pride in their neighborhood or community. 83.9% said they would feel a significant loss if those venues were no longer available, and 80.4% consider arts venues to be essential pillars of their communities.

Strengthening the Visitor Economy

Lehigh Valley’s arts scene doesn’t just attract locals; it draws visitors from outside the region. Over 27% of attendees came from outside Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, spending an average of $48.94 per person. Notably, 82.9% of nonlocal visitors reported that their primary reason for visiting the Lehigh Valley was to attend an arts or cultural event.

Arts & Culture Is Local Businesses

Nonprofit arts organizations play a vital role in our economy. They employ local residents, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and bring attention to the Lehigh Valley through their marketing and events. These organizations spent $80.6 million in 2022, supporting 1,456 jobs and generating $17.6 million in tax revenue.

Supporting Local Commerce

Attending a cultural event is more than just buying a ticket. On average, Lehigh Valley event-goers spend $31.75 per person beyond admission on things like dining, parking, transportation, and childcare — providing vital income for local businesses.

Keeping Dollars in the Community

The presence of local arts and culture keeps residents — and their spending — close to home. When surveyed, 54.1% of Lehigh Valley residents said they would have traveled to another community if the event they attended wasn’t available, showing how vital arts and culture are to keeping discretionary dollars within the region.

Read the Full Report

To dive deeper into the numbers and the broader national context, download the Lehigh Valley and National AEP6 reports below.

The Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance plays a crucial role in fostering the region’s vibrant arts and culture community. By supporting us, you help sustain the creative organizations and events that make our community thrive — driving economic growth, inspiring community pride, and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. Join us in championing the arts and shaping the future of the Lehigh Valley!