Edmond Life & Leisure • September 10, 2020 • Page 17
Economy loses jobs & millions in sales
COVID’s heavy toll on art industry A new report released by the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, co-authored by Richard Florida ("The Rise of the Creative Class"), confirms what many in the arts in Oklahoma have feared – the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the state's arts and cultural industry. The report shows that between April 1 and July 31, 2020, Oklahoma experienced an estimated loss of 19,504 creative industry jobs and $606 million in sales of creative industry goods and services. Data indicates the fine and performing arts have been hit hardest by the pandemic, with losses disproportionate to other parts of the creative economy – representing up to 50 percent of jobs lost in some cases. Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said without further relief for the arts sector, the data implies a grim outlook for Oklahoma. "This report verifies the dire circumstances facing our sector," Sharples said. "Artists and creative workers are out of jobs; performance venues, theaters, and festivals are shuttered; and, fundraising events are nearly impossible. As creative industries and occupations are essential to a healthy and growing Oklahoma economy, there is real
risk of long-term negative outcomes for our state. We must pursue all means necessary to provide relief to the arts industry so that our state can continue its Top Ten trajectory." The Economic Impact of Arts and Culture in Oklahoma Representing 2.3 percent of the state's gross domestic product (GDP), Oklahoma's arts and cultural sector is a sizable part of the state's economy (source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2017). A study released in 2017 showed that nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences in Oklahoma have significant economic impact, including: Producing $872.8 million in economic activity Supporting 29,165 jobs Generating $84.5 million in state and local tax revenue According to the authors of the Brookings Institution report, the creative sector is one of three key sectors that drive regional economies. The authors state that lasting damage to an area's creative sector will drastically undercut culture, wellbeing, and quality of life. The Brookings Institution report, "Lost Art: Measuring COVID-19's Devastating Impact on America's Creative Economy," is available for PHOTO PROVIDED From acclaimed stage productions in New York, to right here in Oklahoma, download at www.brookings.edu. many plays and musicals have been idled by the virus.
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