A recent economic survey documents that the arts in Quincy are now a $3 million a year growth industry that: (1) create jobs, (2) stimulate every part of our local economy, (3) increase the number of visitors who help pay our local taxes, and (4) attract thousands of new dollars to our local economy every year from national foundations and corporations.

Equally important to everyone who lives in Quincy, the U. S. Conference of Mayors estimates that for every $1 spent on the arts, $3 to $4 are generated in the community as a whole.

A 2010 Quincy Community Theatre marketing study documented that 31.54 percent of their audience comes from outside of the city of Quincy.  That means that approximately 5,000 visitors come to Quincy each year just to see productions at our theater.  Those 5,000 people eat in our local restaurants, shop and stay in our motels.  Bottom line … because of Quincy arts organizations, Quincy residents pay less taxes.

Quincy’s arts community has been recognized with two Governor’s Arts Awards from the Illinois Arts Council.  In addition, Quincy is recognized as one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America in John Villani’s book that is subtitled, “Where to Discover Creative Communities, Fresh Air, and Affordable Living.” Quincy is the ONLY city in Illinois or Missouri to make the top 100 list.

Over 750 Quincyans serve on the boards of directors of QSFA’s 64 member organizations.  Those 64 organizations have the direct support of over 10,000 members and season ticket holders!

ABOUT THE WRITER
Rob Dwyer has worked as a nonprofit arts administrator and consultant for the past 37 years. Since 1983, he has served as the executive director of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, America’s first Community Arts Council, est. 1943. In 1981, Dwyer was named Arts Administrator of the Year in the United States by the Arts Management magazine.

Dwyer has served as Arts in Education panelist and national site evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts and panelist for the Illinois Arts Council, In addition, he has worked as a consultant for  American Samoa’s Department of Education, Iowa Arts Council; Indiana University Arts Management School and the Illinois Arts Peers program.