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Arts an important economic driver to Alberta, according to new AFA report
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A new report from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Arts Impact 2025: Ripple Effects from the Arts Sector, shows that arts funding is an important economic driver for Alberta.
The report provides an extensive overview of the economic, social, and cultural impacts of the AFA's investments in Alberta's arts sector through its operating grant programs. The report covers a six-year period, from 2018 to 2023, and analyzes the economic and other contributions made by AFA-funded arts organizations.
Provincial arts funding, provided by Alberta's government and delivered by the AFA, is one of the most important instruments used to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the arts sector. Operating grants comprise approximately 60% of the AFA's grant budget each year and it's important that Albertans see the incredible return on investment in the sector.
- For every one dollar invested by the AFA generated an economic return of $1.76, while every one dollar expended by AFA operating clients generated a return of $22.53.
- Every $1 million invested by the AFA created 16 full-time equivalent jobs, and every $1 million spent by AFA operating clients created 195 full-time jobs.
To read the full report and all the exciting details on how investing in the arts strengthens our economy, click the link below to learn more.