![Riverfront Festivals in Hartford](/decdartsportal/-/media/decd/arts-office-v2/creative-economy/riverfront-festivals-in-hartford.jpg?sc_lang=en&h=400&w=600&la=en&hash=A14941EFF0CF6BB7F9786ED68E0B92F7)
Arts and Creativity in Connecticut
The arts and culture sector plays a key role in our economy. Nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses employ a significant workforce, and Connecticut is home to thousands of entrepreneur artists. Our museums, theaters, music venues, cultural institutions, organizations, and arts-related businesses help our state thrive by:
- Enriching the lives of residents and visitors
- Driving billions of dollars of local spending
- Generating hundreds of millions in tax revenues
Top Reasons to Support the Arts
![LongWharf_performance](/decdartsportal/-/media/decd/arts-office-v2/creative-economy/longwharf_performance.jpg?sc_lang=en&h=400&w=600&la=en&hash=F35F9C1290B0F7E7FC17FFF85C5E70E1)
Support the Arts
The arts strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically. According to research by Americans for the Arts:
- Arts improve academic performance for students across all socio-economic groups
- Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses
- Arts spark creativity and innovation
Strengthen Your Community
![Levitt Pavilion For The Performing Arts Westport Credit Dave Curtisno exp](/decdartsportal/-/media/decd/arts-office-v2/creative-economy/levitt-pavilion-for-the-performing-arts-westport--credit-dave-curtisno-exp.jpg?sc_lang=en&h=400&w=600&la=en&hash=74F0B1A8AEF97D17F454891E7C8F9FA1)
Read AEP 6 Findings
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations across CT participated in the sixth national Arts and Economic Prosperity Study.
![New London Waterfront District New London](/decdartsportal/-/media/decd/arts-office-v2/creative-economy/new-london-waterfront-district-new-london.jpg?sc_lang=en&h=400&w=600&la=en&hash=9A9E02FD56B117BE55AD2DFA6A0FF1B3)
Develop and Sustain Cultural Districts
Connecticut is helping cities and towns invest in their cultural districts to improve community health and the local economy.
![Interns Discussing](/decdartsportal/-/media/decd/arts-office-v2/about-us/images/interns.png?sc_lang=en&h=400&w=600&la=en&hash=6E3F6E612BAF4BAA274F17CABA020D44)
Strengthen Your Creative Economy
Learn how we support work by Air Collaborative to help you municipality create and implement high-impact projects.
KEY STATS
$954 Million
Statewide arts and culture economic activity in 2022.
$606 Million
Total spent by arts and culture organizations.
$348 Million
Event related spending by arts and culture audiences.