The Arts & Prosperity Study 6 Highlights Remarkable Impact on Portland’s Economy

In October 2023, the results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study (AEP6) were released, offering a profound insight into the incredible economic and social impact of the arts and culture sector in Portland, Maine. The findings from this groundbreaking study revealed an astounding $86 million in economic activity generated by the nonprofit arts and culture organizations, showcasing the vital role that the arts play in building more vibrant and livable communities.

The AEP6 study, conducted by Americans for the Arts (AFTA), disclosed that the Greater Portland nonprofit arts and culture industry contributed a total of $86 million to the local economy in 2022. This impressive figure consisted of $58.2 million in expenditures by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $27.8 million in event-related spending by their audiences.

What makes these numbers even more impressive is the impact on job creation and government revenue. The arts and culture sector in Portland supported 1,872 jobs and generated $20.7 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. The spending by arts and culture audiences further fueled the local economy by providing valuable commerce to local merchants.

In a recent press release, Dinah Minot, the Executive Director of Creative Portland, expressed her gratitude to the participating nonprofit cultural organizations and emphasized the study’s importance in shedding light on the arts’ role in Portland’s economic, social, and creative wellbeing. She emphasized that the arts and culture sector is a key driver for Greater Portland’s economy, underscoring its undeniable value to the community.

The AEP6 study is part of a nationwide effort to document the economic and social contributions of nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Nationally, the study unveiled that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a staggering $151.7 billion industry, supporting 2.6 million jobs and generating $29.1 billion in government revenue. These numbers highlight the significance of the arts as an economic driver of vibrant communities not only in Portland but throughout the United States.

The AEP6 study in Portland was a collaborative effort that spanned over a year. Data was meticulously collected from both the participating nonprofit organizations and the audiences attending performing arts events. This comprehensive approach allowed for a holistic assessment of the sector’s economic impact, encompassing everything from organizational expenses to audience spending.

Several nonprofit organizations played a pivotal role in contributing to the study’s findings, including TEMPOart and the Portland Public Art Commission. The involvement of many other nonprofit organizations showcases the collective effort that made this study possible and underscores the sector’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study has undeniably emphasized the profound economic and social impact of the arts and culture sector in Portland. The impressive $86 million in economic activity, job creation, and government revenue generated by this sector reinforces the importance of supporting and sustaining local artists and arts initiatives.

As these findings resonate locally and nationally, they serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role the arts play in building more livable communities, fostering creativity, and driving economic growth. The AEP6 study in Portland demonstrates that the arts are not just a cultural expression but a fundamental driver of prosperity and vitality in our society. TEMPOart is proud to contribute to that vitality through our mission to commission and support public art that sparks dialogue, builds community, and inspires our collective imagination.

Links to learn more:

AEP6 Results Summary

Press Release: Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Results for Portland, ME

Summary of Findings: Portland, ME AEP6 Results 

Complete Final Report: Portland, ME AEP6 Results

TEMPOart Wins the Rebel Blend Award in 2023

TEMPOart was awarded the 2023 Rebel Blend Award, a generous grant awarded to Maine-based artists and small arts organizations by Coffee by Design (CBD). This award has been a symbol of support for the vibrant arts community in Maine since 1998, contributing to the state’s artistic and cultural landscape in a profound way.

Coffee By Design Founder and Owner Mary Allen Lindemann with TEMPOart’s Interim Executive Director Jessica Muise

From CBD’s founder and owner Mary Allen Lindemann about the October 17 award ceremony, “This morning was awesome, we loved hearing from the Rebel Blend Fund grantees. One of the most amazing things is that we know, thanks to your help through your purchases of Rebel Blend ($1 from every pound brewed or sold goes to the Rebel Blend Fund) we are able to help share often untold stories. This year you raised $14,800 to share with five great non-profits, selected by a committee of our team members. To date we’ve given over $125,000! Thank you Phil, Dylan, Alina and Sam for reviewing the many great applications. And congratulations to “Conversations in Compassion,” Dyke March Maine, Four Directions Maine in support of the Wabanaki Artisan Fund, The Yellow Tulip Project EXPRESS and TEMPOart!”

The Rebel Blend Fund: A Remarkable Initiative

The Rebel Blend Fund is not your typical arts grant program. It’s a powerful partnership between CBD and local artists, where every pound of their best-selling Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed in their coffeehouses contributes to a fund that, in turn, fuels artistic endeavors in Maine. For each pound of Rebel Blend coffee sold, CBD donates $1 to the Rebel Blend Fund, creating a sustainable source of support for local artists.

The Rebel Blend committee, comprising CBD team members, plays a crucial role in identifying proposals that may have been overlooked by conventional funding sources. They seek projects that challenge the status quo, spark thought-provoking conversations, and have the potential to engage people from all corners of the state.

Since its inception in 1998, the Rebel Blend Fund has been a beacon of hope for Maine artists and small arts organizations. With over $100,000 in grants awarded to support local artists, it has played a significant role in nurturing the creative spirit of the community. These grants have enabled artists to pursue innovative and meaningful projects that might not have seen the light of day without this support.

Empowering Local Artists

To be considered for Rebel Blend funding, artists and projects must be based in Maine, reinforcing the fund’s commitment to local talent. Applicants are required to submit comprehensive project descriptions, outlining how the grant money would benefit their creative endeavors. Beyond the financial support, the Rebel Blend Fund offers significant marketing benefits to the recipients. The winners’ stories are covered by local media, and their accomplishments are celebrated through an annual press conference and social media channels, amplifying their impact on the community.

In their pursuit of supporting the arts in Maine, CBD expresses gratitude to their partners at Androscoggin Bank for their ongoing promotional support for the Rebel Blend Fund. This partnership amplifies the impact of the fund, extending its reach and ensuring that local artists receive the support they need.

TEMPOart’s win of the Rebel Blend Award in 2023 exemplifies the fund’s mission to empower artists who push the boundaries of conventional art forms. TEMPOart, an organization dedicated to bringing art into public spaces, embodies the spirit of the Rebel Blend Fund with their innovative projects that engage and inspire the Maine community.

The Rebel Blend Award is a testament to the enduring commitment of Coffee By Design to the arts community in Maine. Since 1998, it has been a source of encouragement and support for local artists and small arts organizations. With TEMPOart’s 2023 win, we celebrate not just a single artist or project but the enduring power of community support for the arts in Maine. The Rebel Blend Fund continues to foster creativity, dialogue, and cultural growth in the state, leaving a lasting impact on the Maine arts scene.