What’s measured This report examines state and federal appropriations awarded to arts and cultural organizations in the region through the North Carolina Arts Council and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which are the sources for this indicator’s data. These numbers represent grant expenditures (that is, grant dollars spent and not grant dollars awarded) by arts and cultural organizations. Some private funds may be included in the amounts, but the numbers do not represent significant private funds or other sources of funding not awarded by the arts councils. Grants from counties and municipalities are not included. The inclusion of such funds can greatly change grant expenditures because some counties and municipalities don’t fund the arts while others do in a significant way. Per capita numbers were calculated using the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual population estimates. Why it’s measured Grant expenditures by arts and cultural organizations from state and federal appropriations indicate government support of these institutions. Using per capita numbers allows observers to see if government funding is maintained as the population increases and to recognize variances among counties. Arts and cultural organizations provide the public with access to cultural resources. Government support for these organizations offers much-needed funding for services that many people view as an asset to the region, in terms of entertainment, tourism and economic development. Indicator results Grant expenditures per capita increased for the Charlotte region from $0.53 in 2005 to $0.74 in 2006, with total grant expenditures rising from $1,212,023 to $1,738,924 during the period. York County posted the highest grant expenditures per capita, at $1.45 in 2005 and $1.55 in 2006. Chester County had the lowest grants per capita, at $0.08 in 2005 and $0.15 in 2006. A portion of the increases in the region’s North Carolina counties between 2005 and 2006 can be attributed to an increased appropriation from the state for the state’s Grassroots Arts Program, which allocates funds to all 100 counties using a per capita based formula. Evaluation With the exception of Lancaster County, all counties in the region increased their per capita spending from 2005 to 2006. The Charlotte region’s increase in grant expenditures shows state and federal governments’ recognition of the importance of the arts and their willingness to continue funding arts and cultural organizations. With more funding, arts and cultural organizations can continue to grow and provide residents with cultural offerings that many consider essential to a healthy and vibrant region. Connections Arts and cultural organizations connect with many facets of the region, including economic development, cultural appreciation and quality of life. Many arts and cultural organizations attract local residents as well as visitors. Visitors view the region as a destination and take advantage of other regional opportunities offered as well. |