Survey: Arts pump $7.5 million into Dover economy

posted on 1/10/2024

The Dover Arts Commission presented the results of its Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey to the City Council on Jan. 3, touting significant economic contributions from nonprofit arts and cultural organizations.

The survey found that in 2022, Dover's nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $7.5 million in total economic activity. This includes $3.5 million in direct spending by arts and cultural organizations and an additional $4 million from event-related spending by those groups' audiences.

"That economic activity supported 124 jobs, provided $4.7 million in personal income to residents, and generated $1.1 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments," said Jane Hamor, chair of the Dover Arts Commission.

Hamor emphasized the survey results only include the economic impact from nonprofit groups and do not factor in commercial art galleries, restaurants with music performances, or other for-profit artistic outlets.

The survey was conducted by Americans for the Arts and included responses from 862 attendees at arts and cultural events in Dover gathered through in-person interviews over 13 months. The survey was made possible through funding and support from the Dover Planning Department and Office of Business Development.

"The survey really is setting a baseline for the economic impact of the nonprofit art and culture scene in Dover," said Cliff Blake, vice chair of the Dover Arts Commission. "It's the largest and most comprehensive that we have ever conducted in the city, and as you'll see, the arts have a measurable economic impact."

Beyond the dollars and cents, Hamor argued investment in the arts also pays other dividends.

"The arts build empathy and understanding as well," she said. "Those are strong contributors to a positive way of life in Dover."

In addition to the survey, Hamor highlighted several other recent accomplishments by the 12-member volunteer Dover Arts Commission:

• Launching a Dover Literary Laureate program, naming author Steve Bargdill to the inaugural post
• Funding two graffiti art walls at the new Dover Skate Park and on the Community Trail
• Installing two large metal cube sculptures created by a local artist on the Community Trail
• Installation of two commemorative markers for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Preparing to bring back an “Art Beat” program that features Seacoast artists in local businesses
• Endorsing a 14-foot tall glass sculpture for the Second Street Courthouse project, set to be completed this year.

“With your support, the Arts Commission is really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Hamor told the City Council.

The full presentation to the Dover City Council can be viewed online at https://dovernh.viebit.com/player.php?hash=QeaemcrK73aOa8zi.