City to examine economic impact of the arts

Yearlong study is part of a national effort to determine how arts organizations affect economic activity.The City Council has approved the arts commission’s request to undertake an economic impact report regarding the arts in Laguna Beach. The impact report was one part of the commission’s cultural arts plan for 2005-10.

Laguna Beach was asked to participate in a national study being undertaken by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts. The purpose of the study is to assess the national economic impact of spending by nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences.

The yearlong study will begin in 2006. The total cost of the study is $6,500, $2,000 of which will be provided by business improvement district funds, $2,000 by the Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts and $2,500 by the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau.

“It is important to have a better understanding of the role of the arts in Laguna Beach,” Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl said. “This yearlong program will help evaluate the economic impact of the arts and will be a valuable tool for the city, Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau and the Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts.

“The findings will help assist in long-term planning and future projects and provide guidance for a creative community,” Poeschl said.

-- By Suzie Harrison