Edmonds exploring the impact of arts, cultural events on city
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 12, 2017
EDMONDS — This city is known for its arts and cultural events.
The Edmonds Center for the Arts draws 75,000 people a year to see singers, dancers and musicians.
Thousands throng to the annual Edmonds Arts Festival in June.
And the Cascadia Art Museum, which opened in 2015, is near the city’s waterfront.
Now the city is trying to find out the economic impact these and other arts-related events and organizations have on the city.
A survey has been posted online asking residents and visitors questions about how often they attend arts events in Edmonds.
“What we think is that it’s big business here in town,” said Patrick Doherty, the city’s economic development and community services director.
The survey will help give the city a more precise idea of how much economic impact arts and cultural events have. That will help the city make more informed decisions on arts and cultural issues, Doherty said.
Visitors are asked whether an art or cultural event was the primary reason for their trip. They also are asked if they included an overnight stay in their outings, went to the city’s waterfront, or had a meal at one of the local restaurants.
Locals are asked how much they spend on tickets to cultural and arts events and arts-related classes and workshops.
Survey participants are asked their top three arts and cultural interests and how often they attend those events.
People also will have the opportunity to add comments and expand on their answers by describing what the arts and culture mean to them and their families, Doherty said.
Volunteers will be doing in-person surveys at the Edmonds Summer Market and other local events.
A consulting firm will analyze the data and come up with an estimate of the economic impact of the arts.
The survey also will help shape recommendations on what the city can do to enhance the city’s arts and cultural offerings, Doherty said.
The survey and its analysis is expected to cost $40,000.
The questionnaire will remain open through early September and is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/edarts.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
