Arts, culture are essential to RI's identity, and its economy: Commentary Providence Journal

Bob Dylan. Johnny Cash. Dolly Parton. Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. These legendary artists, and many others, have performed at Rhode Island’s iconic Newport Folk and Newport Jazz festivals. Their appearances were not just concerts; they were cultural touchstones that drew visitors from acrossthe country and the world and put our small state on the global map.

More recently, festivalgoers have been wowed by Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell, Wynton Marsalis, Beck, James Taylor,and literally thousands more. And behind the scenes, each time making these landmark moments possible for our state is the Newport Festivals Foundation.

But the story is bigger than any single organization or festival. NFF is but one example of how arts andculture nonprofits throughout Rhode Island strengthen our economy, enrich communities and help define who we are as a state.

Too often, nonprofits in the arts space are viewed as “nice to have,” rather than recognized as vital components of Rhode Island’s economy. When it comes to developing the state budget, investments in nonprofit capacity and infrastructure are frequently deferred in favor of initiatives perceived as more economically important. Yet, the data tells us otherwise.

Nearly 90% of the 10,000 people who fill Fort Adams daily during music festivals travel to Newport specifically for these events, generating a total of more than $101.1 million in tourism spending. Thatspending supports hotels, restaurants, shops, workers and our state’s tax coffers.

Beyond tourism, arts nonprofits also help fill the gaps in enrichment opportunities that many districtsand schools no longer have the resources to offer. NFF’s commitment to arts education spans free musiclessons, instrument donations, summer camps and beyond, each program expanding access for andinvesting in the next generation of Rhode Islanders.

The creative economy that’s been built here not only powers Rhode Island’s tourism industry, but it also generates substantial revenue for local businesses and employment in our communities. And as such,organizations like the Newport Festivals Foundation are not “nice to have.” They are essential to our state’scultural fabric, identity and economic vitality.

Nancy Wolanski is director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI.