Georgetown arts and culture board designs vision for arts master plan

From Impact News, February 13, 2009...

Whether residents are listening to the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, reading a book by one of many local authors, watching The Georgetown Palace Theatre’s performance of “Grease” or viewing Don Snell’s paintings in the local gallery, the arts in Georgetown are good for business. Not only do they help improve the quality of life in the city, they attract tourists who bring money to pump into the local economy.

A national Arts and Economic Prosperity III study from 2005 found that an average of 39 percent of arts and cultural event attendees come from outside of the community. The study, which focused on the nonprofit arts and culture industry in 156 communities and regions that represent all 50 states, showed that while local audiences spent an average of $19.53 per person per event, in addition to the cost of admission, those travelling from other areas spent an average of $40.19.

The City of Georgetown, through its own arts community, is hoping to capitalize on that principle.

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