The 2009 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, held June 13-27, 2009 in New Haven, generated an estimated economic impact on the State’s economy of more than $21 million, it was announced today in a study completed by Dr. Mark Gius, Professor of Economics at the Quinnipiac University School of Business.
“The economic impact of this year’s Festival was substantially greater than the economic impact of the 2008 Festival – an increase of 11%. Both per capita spending and attendance were up significantly in comparison to last year,” said Dr. Gius. “This is a substantial economic benefit, at rather minimal public cost, for the greater New Haven economy.”
“We are excited that the Festival puts income into the small businesses of New Haven, in addition to regional and state companies,” said Gordon Geballe, Board Chair of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. “The Festival is a valuable asset to the State in terms of advancing economic development as well as quality of life,” said Mr. Geballe.
“When you consider the Festival’s increased economic impact in light of the current economy, the value of the Festival to the state and the region is very clear,” said Mary Lou Aleskie, Executive Director of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. “This Festival is possible because of the ongoing commitment from our State, Yale University, the City of New Haven and our many supporters who share in its artistic, economic and community engagement successes. These achievements are essential to our region now more than ever,” said Ms. Aleskie.
The State Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, who represents New Haven and Hamden, said "I am pleased that in those difficult economic times the General Assembly was able to sustain State support for what has become one of Connecticut's most dynamic late spring / early summer cultural attractions."
“New Haven’s International Festival of Arts and Ideas provides the unique opportunity for us to showcase one of Connecticut’s signature cities each year,” Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) said. “So in my opinion, just on its face it’s a worthwhile expenditure for the State to make - it’s gratifying to know it’s also a sound investment paying real dividends in terms of its positive economic impact on New Haven businesses.”
The House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan said "The Festival is one of the State's shining examples of how our investment in the arts not only delivers cultural and educational benefits to Connecticut families but also serves as an economic driver for the State and the communities that do such a superb job of hosting these events."
The total economic benefit of the Festival ($21,344,000) was measured in terms of the direct impact and the induced impact of Festival activity on the regional economy. The direct economic impact is defined as the amount of money spent by Festival visitors ($7,165,000). The induced economic impact ($14,179,000) is the additional employment and expenditures of local industries that resulted because of the direct economic impact of the Festival.
Both attendance and per capita spending increased in 2009:
- A total of 103,300 people attended the Festival. On average, each person attended the Festival for 3.44 days. The estimated total number of unique Festival visitors was 79,600 (a more than 4% increase over the 2008 Festival). The percentage of Festival patrons making their first visit to New Haven (11%) nearly doubled, up from 6.7% in 2008. The average size per party at the Festival was 3.6 people (up from 2.8 people per party last year).
- The average expenditure per Festival attendee was $117 (up 9%). Festival visitors’ food and retail expenditures increased 15% over 2008. The average spent by Connecticut visitors was $107, while the average spent by non-Connecticut visitors was $208. People who attended free Ideas events spent an average of $125; while people who attended free events on the New Haven Green spent an average of $77.
“The Festival has not only become one of the City’s most important cultural attractions every year but also an important economic driver for our shops, restaurants and hotels downtown,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “We are pleased with the results of this summer’s Festival season and look forward to the great entertainment and activity the City will benefit from in 2010.”
To arrange an interview with Mary Lou Aleskie or Dr. Mark Gius, please contact the Festival’s Director of Marketing & Communications Andrew Chatfield at achatfield@artidea.org or 203.498.3710.
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas
The 15th annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas will be held June 12-26, 2010. Since its founding in 1996, the Festival has presented more than 15,000 artists and thinkers in over 5,000 events, celebrations, explorations, forums, exhibitions, debates, presentations and more. The Festival plays host to over 100,000 people each year, and takes place in more than two dozen venues in and around New Haven, Connecticut, including theaters, concert halls, courtyards and the streets. More than 75 countries have been represented in the Festival since its inception.
The 2009 International Festival of Arts & Ideas received major support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Yale University, the New Haven Register, and WTNH News Channel 8 & WCTX MyTV9.
The Festival is a participant in the Greater New Haven Arts Stabilization Project, a joint venture of the Greater New Haven philanthropic community.