Proving a strong return on investment is important to most industries, and the arts are no different. In New Jersey, the nonprofit arts sector generates more than $662 million dollars for our state’s economy through direct spending by organizations and by the 8.3 million patrons who attend cultural events each year. While economic data on the arts is important, the real story is told by the local restaurant owner whose business booms on the night of a performance; the store owner who works with their local art gallery; and the creative people who work behind the scenes to bring the arts to life.

These videos share stories of how the arts impact local economies.