Arts & Economic Prosperity in the Columbia Gorge with Randy Cohen

Join Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts, as he shares the powerful economic benefits of arts and culture in the Columbia Gorge and throughout the state. Drawing from the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, Cohen will present local and statewide findings, illustrating how Oregon’s arts and culture sector contributed a staggering $829 million to the state’s economy in 2022 alone. From small towns to larger cities, the data illustrates the impact of the arts on job creation, business growth, and community well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how the arts drive prosperity in our region and across Oregon.

A special thank you to Americans for the Arts, Oregon Arts Commision, and Travel Oregon. 

“Travel Oregon is pleased to support the Oregon Arts Commission’s efforts to measure the role the arts play in Oregon’s economy,” says Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “Authentic arts and cultural experiences attract visitors from across the state and beyond to support our local communities. Arts travelers visit throughout the year, staying longer and spending more on travel, solidifying the arts as an important economic driver across the state of Oregon.” 

“This is the most comprehensive data we’ve ever had on how vital arts and culture are to Oregon’s statewide economic prosperity,” said Brian Rogers, Oregon Arts Commission executive director. “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 is evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in the State of Oregon. It sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the State of Oregon’s economic well-being and visibility.”