Helen Stolias and Judith H Dobrznski: The Art Newspaper
Blockbuster exhibitions are often a break-even prospect for museums, with any boost to revenue from ticket sales, memberships, retail purchases and other visitor spending offset by the costs of production, installation and operations. But what impact do the thousands of cultural consumers who turn up for those exhibitions have on local economies?
Based on US government statistics and tourism reports, blockbuster shows can create significant gains for their host cities. “We know that a vibrant arts community is good for local businesses,” says Randy Cohen, the vice president of research and policy at the art lobbying organisation Americans for the Arts. “And a blockbuster brings people from out of town, out of the country, and they provide business for local merchants.” …Read More