In partnership with the City of SLO and the City of Paso Robles, The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council (SLO County Arts) will soon release a long-awaited study measuring the economic, workforce, and tourism impact of the arts and culture sector across the county. This is the first economic impact report for the arts in a decade, providing key data to demonstrate how the creative industry drives economic growth, supports jobs, and strengthens our region’s reputation as a cultural hub. We invite the public to engage with SLO County Arts during the Arts, Culture and Creativity Month campaign online throughout April, or stay tuned for the full report published on May 1st on the SLO County Arts website.
Key Findings from the Report:
● Arts-related tourism contributed $291.1 million in visitor spending, leading to a total
economic impact of $478.7 million across the county.
● The arts and culture sector generated $35.4 million in direct sales and supported 1,343 jobs
in 2024.
● 3.1 million attendees engaged in arts and cultural events, reinforcing the sector’s role in
regional tourism and underscoring local community support.
● Arts organizations rely on merchandise sales (61%), donations (56%), and ticket sales (48%)
as primary revenue sources.
● Volunteers contributed 197,000 hours, valued at $7.6 million, to local arts institutions and
events in 2024.
Presentation of Findings:
When: Wednesday, May 7th; 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Milking Parlor at the Octagon Barn (4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401)
What: Presentation by PolicyCraft Institute, LLC followed by panel Q&A and a post-reception
Final Report Release
The report will be published on the SLO County Arts website (slocountyarts.org) on Thursday, May
1.
Digital Campaign Throughout April
Follow along as we share key findings from the report throughout April in a digital campaign! Stay
connected by following: Instagram: @slocounty_arts; Facebook: SLO County Arts; Join our weekly
newsletter at slocountyarts.org
What Local Leaders Are Saying
“An economic impact report for our arts and culture sector hasn’t been completed in a decade,
and the data is clear: the arts are a major contributor to our region’s economy, workforce, and
tourism industry. Now is the time to invest in the creative sector.” Jordan Chesnut, Director of SLO
County Arts