The money that pours into local arts events has the Greater Morgantown economy humming to the tune of $4.1 million, according to a study conducted by the West Virginia University Bureau of Business and Economic Research in the College of Business and Economics.

The year-long research project, commissioned by Arts Monongahela, Inc., surveyed arts patrons from July 2005 to June 2006 to see where they came from and how much they spent. Seventeen non-profit arts organizations participated representing the diversity of arts that flourish in Morgantown: theatre, dance, visual and literary arts.

More than 60,000 individuals attended 121 arts events in Monongalia County during the survey period. The study estimated that these arts patrons spent more than $2.8 million in tickets, at restaurants and retail businesses generating a total economic impact of $4.1 million. The study found the average visitor spent $51.16.

This study proves that public and private investment in the arts pays big dividends for our local community,said Jack Thompson, executive director of Arts Monongahela, Inc.The arts enhance our quality of life, and they also contribute significantly to our economic well-being.

A little more than half of the respondents said they lived within 10 miles of Morgantown, but more than 15 percent said they lived more than 50 miles away.

I expected to find that most patrons lived in the area, but I was surprised to see how many people came to these events from Wheeling, Pittsburgh and counties south of here,said Randy Childs, the WVU economist who authored the study.Some of the respondents came from as far away as the D.C. area.

Local arts organizations that participated in the study include Appalachian Education Initiative, Arts on the River Festival, Board of Parks and Recreation Commission, Florence Merow Mason Dixon Festival, M.T. Pockets Theatre Company, Mannette Steel Drums, Metropolitan Theatre Commission, Monongalia Arts Center, Morgantown Municipal Band Concert, Morgantown Theatre Company, Northern West Virginia Dance Council, West Virginia Public Theatre, WVU College of Creative Arts, Mountaineer Week Craft Fair, West Virginia Writers Workshop, West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival and WVU Arts and Entertainment.

This is the second study on the economic impact of the arts commissioned by Arts Monongahela, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to advancing the arts locally. The 2001 study looked the impact the organizations had on the economy. This recent study focused on the arts patrons.

The study was funded by the Benedum Foundation with additional assistance from the West Virginia Development Office and Clear Mountain Bank. A copy of the full report can be found athttp://www.artsmon.orgor by calling 304-291-6720.