The City of Las Cruces partnered with the Doña Ana Arts Council (DAAC), and Downtown Las Cruces Partnership (DLCP) to participate in the fifth national economic impact study by Americans for the Arts. The study, entitled Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5), was the largest study of its kind ever conducted. AEP5 documents the economic contributions of the nonprofit arts industry nationally in 341 regions, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Las Cruces and Doña Ana County were the only study regions in New Mexico in AEP5.
Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in Las Cruces:
- Total Industry Expenditures – $19,105,245
- Full-time Equivalent Jobs Supported – 426
- Event-related Spending (not including cost of admission) – $10,596,813
- Revenue Generated to Local Government – $700,000
Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in Doña Ana County:
- Total Industry Expenditures – $33,111,356
- Full-time Equivalent Jobs Supported – 743
- Event-related Spending (not including cost of admission) – $18,032,000
- Revenue Generated to Local Government – $1,241,000
This study was made possible with the participation of 29 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and 812 individual attendees to nonprofit arts and cultural performances, events and exhibitions in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County during 2016.
“The arts not only connect us and inspire creativity, they generate jobs and are a base economic driver,” says Kathleen Albers, Executive Director of DAAC. “This study gives us specific, current data on the financial impact of the arts in Las Cruces and the County.”
Arianna Parsons, Executive Director of DLCP, added, “DLCP knows that the creative economy plays a vital role in community revitalization efforts. We are excited to have real numbers to support our efforts to foster arts and culture in Downtown Las Cruces as part of a broader asset-based economic development strategy.”
The full report and other supporting documents and maps are available at: