$2.3 Billion in Economic Input Credited to Arts

Southern California’s visual and performing arts industries contributed nearly $2.3 billion directly and indirectly to the area’s economy in 1984, according to a study released Tuesday by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Arts organizations employed nearly 17,000 people in 1984, the report said, and posted a payroll of $484 million, compared to $350 million in 1982.

Attendance at arts events in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties last year totaled 22.9 million, compared to 14.6 million people who attended professional sporting events, the study said.

Average Cost $18.25

The average expenditure at a local arts event was computed at $18.25.

The Olympic Arts Festival, from June 1 to Aug. 12, 1984, reported attendance of 1.3 million people with ticket sales of $4.9 million during the period covered by the report.

According to the study, directed by chamber chief economist Jack Kyser over a nine-month period, the arts audience was found to be 55% female, 39% single and 47% employed in professional or technical jobs.