Keeping the Economy Humming

A Strong Arts Scene Means a Strong Economy. Whether it’s attracting theatergoers to restaurants or attracting top talent to greater Milwaukee, the performing arts work in harmony with local businesses.

When you go out to see a show, do you go straight to the venue and leave immediately after the performance? Chances are you make a night of it, enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant and maybe meeting up with friends for a post-show cocktail. You might even book a hotel room and turn your night out into a weekend getaway. When you do, you’re putting dollars into our economy, and you’re doing it because of the performing arts.

A thriving performing arts culture like ours is about more than world-class entertainment. A community with a rich arts culture helps keep top talent in our region, and that’s good for businesses seeking an educated, committed workforce. When businesses bring workers in from other regions, or decide to relocate to southeastern Wisconsin, our performing arts scene and variety of arts programs for children are major selling points.

The performing arts don’t just raise a city’s profile. They help promote local businesses to consumers, too. UPAF Member Groups routinely bring the arts off the stage and on to Main Street. The Florentine Opera Company’s Opera Insights, often held at local bookshops, makes opera more accessible to everyone by discussing the story behind an upcoming show giving attendees a free musical preview.

The performing arts employ hundreds of actors, dancers, musicians and behind-the-scenes specialists, all working in concert to keep our local economy humming.