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The nonprofit and commercial arts and culture sector contributes $1 billion to Delaware’s economy, representing 1.5% of the state’s GDP¹. The nonprofit arts and culture sector alone contributes $149.9 million in total economic activity, generating $10.5 million in local and state government revenue².

90% of Americans believe that students should receive arts education from preschool through high school³. Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs, standardized test scores and graduation rates. These benefits are reaped by students regardless of socio-economic status.

In Delaware, commercial and nonprofit arts and culture organizations employ 9,124 people and generate $492.3 million in compensation⁴. The nonprofit arts and culture sector alone represents 4,062 full-time jobs⁵, making the arts one of the top 10 industries in the state.

Nearly half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families and staff⁶. Arts programming has proven benefits for patients, including shorter hospital stays, better pain management and less medication.

81.8% of tourists come to Delaware to attend an arts or cultural event⁷. Out of town attendees at arts and cultural events spend an average of $50.47 per event beyond the cost of admission⁸ on items such as meals, parking, child care and hotels.