Cultural Arts

Why It Matters

The local arts sector, and the creative people it employs, enhances the quality of life, stimulates innovation to attract and retain talent, provides a magnet for cultural tourism, and contributes to overall economic vitality. Historically, $377 million of spending and event-related spending is generated by nonprofit arts and culture audiences in the Triangle every year – making up a large and vital portion of our regional economy. Research has shown that engagement in the arts has positive effects on health, positive impacts on children's social and emotional development, and has a role in influencing social change. It’s clear that cultural arts are integral to a thriving community.

Despite the wide-ranging benefits, however, cultural arts organizations face ongoing challenges to their sustainability, particularly as they respond to and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Even before the impacts of the pandemic, nonprofit arts organizations struggled with competition for resources and audiences, inadequate artist performing and rehearsal space, and lack of funding. In research conducted by North Carolina State University’s Institute for Nonprofits, groups working in the arts self-reported lower organizational capacities than others in the nonprofit sector, making it harder for them to grow, evolve, and reach expanded audiences.

Additionally, there is a need to support organizations representing the diverse perspectives and traditions in the Triangle. For decades, philanthropy has overwhelmingly favored Eurocentric arts, leaving a gap in funding of educational and artistic expressional experiences for other art forms. As a result, arts organizations led by and serving audiences of color have suffered. The Triangle and the nation continue to become more diverse demographically. It is imperative to invest in arts organizations that are making art reflecting the rich diversity of the Triangle and are accessible to all its residents.