Who Says Culture Doesn’t Pay? $9.9 Billion Was Spent on New Arts Projects Around the Globe in 2017

A striking 107 new cultural facilities opened around the world last year, up from 101 in 2016, according to a new study. These museums, performing art centers, and cultural districts cost a combined $9.9 billion, up from the $8.45 billion spent in 2016.

The figures are published in the second annual Cultural Infrastructure Index, which offers a rare and comprehensive look at the scale of investment into cultural facilities worldwide. The projects tracked by the report include new buildings, renovations, and expansions, all of which have a minimum budget of $10 million.

One big takeaway from examining all this new construction? Arts facilities are increasingly expanding the definition of cultural offerings, just as audiences have been. Read more