Art Orgs That Received More COVID-Era Funding Outperforming Others, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by Southern Methodist University's DataArts illuminates the impact of local government funding on the resilience and success of arts and culture organizations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzes data from ten cities spanning from 2019 to 2024, revealing that jurisdictions which offered more financial assistance to the arts sector often witnessed improved performance in the subsequent years.

The findings highlight a diverse range of outcomes, with some cities rebounding strongly from the pandemic, while others experienced considerable declines in revenue and audience engagement.

The research underscores the importance of consistent, sustained local investment in arts and culture. Cities like Cleveland and Atlanta stand out as exemplars of effective public funding strategies. Cleveland, for instance, saw a 48% increase in revenue between 2019 and 2024, largely attributed to strong public support. Similarly, Atlanta's arts sector showed a robust 50% revenue growth, despite a 55% increase in expenses, thanks to sustained support from the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs.

Conversely, cities such as Philadelphia faced significant financial challenges, with a 33% decrease in local arts funding and a 28% decline in revenue. This sector's decline was exacerbated by cuts to both full-time and part-time staff in arts and culture organizations. The study notes that while private funders, including institutions like the William Penn Foundation, provided some relief, the overall impact was less effective compared to sustained public investment.

The study's authors, including Jen Benoit-Bryan and David Andersson, caution that while the data does not establish a causal link between local funding and sector success, it strongly suggests the value of continued local investment. They emphasize that as the City Arts Data Exchange expands to include more cities, the findings could serve as a crucial benchmark for policymakers and funders alike.

The researchers suggest that cities grappling with weaker arts sectors can leverage these insights to adjust their funding strategies, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of their cultural and economic fabric.