(Cazenovia, NY – April 2013) The arts, cultural, and heritage groups in the greater Cazenovia area have been meeting monthly and came together to establish “The Cazenovia Arts and Heritage Alliance.”
Their first work has been to complete a study which collected and analyzed the current economic impact that the arts are having in Cazenovia. The results of this first study were presented April 3 to a standing room only, joint meeting of the Cazenovia Village and Town Boards.
Inspired by the nationally recognized “Americans for the Arts” study model, recently completed in Onondaga County, the Alliance consulted with Dr. Ronald Wright of Le Moyne College who had just overseen the greater Onondaga study. With his guidance the “Alliance” conducted a modified study for Cazenovia to better understand, document and communicate the dynamic impact of the “Arts” in the Cazenovia community.
“The Cazenovia Arts and Heritage Alliance” had 100 percent participation from all 17 non-profit cultural organizations that fit within the guidelines established for this first study.
The study found compelling evidence that non-profit arts and cultural organizations are a $5.16 million industry in the Town and Village of Cazenovia. This industry supports 220 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $726,000 in local and state government revenue.
Non-profit arts and cultural organizations, which spend $2.4 million each year on operations, programs and services, also leverage a remarkable $2.7 million in spending by their patrons and audiences—spending that pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores and other area businesses.
“The Cazenovia Arts and Heritage Alliance” continues to meet monthly. Though this first study was specific to the impact of non-profits with in the Cazenovia borders, the Alliance welcomes all organizations who wish to work together with in its mission:
“The Cazenovia Arts Heritage Alliance celebrates Cazenovia’s unique history, creates and supports new artistic endeavors, and works to engage and enliven the citizenship through the arts.”
For information on future meetings contact Sarah Webster at (315) 655 – 3196 or sarah.webster@stonequarryhillartpark.org.