Arts & Economic
Prosperity in Fairfax County
When communities invest in arts and culture, they are investing in an industry that stimulates the economy, supports local jobs, and contributes to building healthy, vibrant, and more livable communities.
Fairfax County’s arts nonprofits generate over half a billion in economic activity and an estimated $12M in state revenue.
Summary of Fairfax
County Findings
Explore a concise overview of key findings for a quick understanding.
Full Report on
Fairfax County
Dive into the full report to gain detailed insights about Fairfax County.
About the Study
The Arts & Economic Prosperity Study is conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. Conducted every five years with local and state research partners, the study measures the economic and social impact of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry.
The study areas range in population from 4,000 to 4 million and represent rural, suburban, and urban communities. ArtsFairfax served as the local research partner for Fairfax.
By the Numbers
Arts & Culture: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are businesses.
The amount spent by Fairfax County nonprofit arts and culture organizations to operate their services, facilities, and programs.
The value of 131,499 hours donated by 3,797 volunteers to Fairfax County nonprofit arts and culture organizations.
Arts & culture drive commerce to local businesses & strengthen tourism
When people attend a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining out, acquiring dependent care, or paying for parking. A vibrant arts and culture community keeps audiences—and their discretionary dollars—local.
The amount Fairfax County audiences contribute to the local economy through arts and culture events.
The percentage of cultural audiences who travel from outside Fairfax County to attend arts and culture events.
The Arts Needs You
Arts and culture are a fundamental component of livable communities—beautifying cities and towns, bringing joy to residents, and celebrating diverse cultural expressions and traditions.
It powers the creative communities where people want to live and work, where entrepreneurs and innovation thrive, and where businesses and nighttime economies flourish. Shared cultural experiences strengthen a sense of belonging and community pride.