The effects of the recession are evident in metro Denver’s cultural and arts community, with total economic activity attributed to area nonprofit arts organizations in 2009 dropping 14 percent from 2007.
However, a study released Friday by the nonprofit Colorado Business Committee for the Arts shows that contributions to the arts rose about 4 percent between 2007 and 2009, from $154 million to $160.4 million.
Corporate sponsorship was down 31 percent, but endowments and government and individual contributions increased to fill the gap.
Full-time employment in the arts sector held steady, which the report said may be due to increased arts grants from federal, state and local agencies through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Metro Denver arts and cultural organizations had more than 11.1 million visits in 2009, down 32 percent from 2007. Seat, payroll and sales taxes were down 14 percent, to $18.4 million.
The report is based on self-reported information collected in 2009 from the nonprofit organizations that receive funds from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
The arts community is being spotlighted during Denver Arts Week, through Nov. 13, with free and discounted activities.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
Facts
– 4% Increase in contributions to the metro Denver arts organizations between 2007 and 2009, from $154 million to $160.4 million, bucking the national trend of a 2.4 percent decrease
A pin-cushion wall was part of a kids’ health program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in April 2009.
– Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed with the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Hall in December.
– The science museum hosted a Genghis Khan exhibit, complete with armor and weaponry, in October 2009.
