Comprehensive nationwide studies have concluded that
cultural tourism provides many benefits including restoring
and revitalizing the local community, location decision-
making for workers and companies, enhancing aesthetic
quality in the region, promoting student achievement
and extending support for classroom curricula.
enhances the local economic climate resulting
in generating income, jobs and enhances the
tax revenue for the state and local governments. “Most Americans understand that the
arts improve our quality of life. A vibrant arts
and culture industry helps local businesses
thrive,” stated Robert Lynch, President and
CEO of American for the Arts.
An Economic Impact Analysis of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village prepared by the
Economic Strategy Center, The Research and
Analysis Division of NCDS, Inc., demonstrates
the visitor spending that directly impacts
lodging, restaurants, arts and entertainment,
recreation services and the retail industry.
The overall impact of visitor spending in
the region’s economy is projected to be over
$1,155,624 during year one and over $1,824,669
in year three. While the average price of art
ranges from $50 to $15,000, it is estimated
that the average individual will spend approximately $200. The total event attendee
spending is projected at $554,300 in year one
and $1,021,600 in year three. Based on the
region’s current sales tax rates, the attendee
and out-of-town visitor spending is estimated
to generate approximately $102,595 in sales
tax revenue for year one and $170,776 in year
three, and annual afterwards assuming the
same level of spending.
PROJECT PARTNERS
The Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
site development plan has been designed by
the Destin-based architectural firm, DAG Ar-
chitects, in concert with the Mattie Kelly Arts
Foundation. DAG Architects was named the
