Arts Advocacy

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council believes that the arts are essential to thriving, vital communities in our 11-county region. Advocating for public funding for the arts is an important part of what we do—and evidence shows that Minnesotans agree!

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts released the 2025 CreativeMN Economic Impact of the Arts report with findings for all 11 regions across the state. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is Minnesota’s statewide arts advocacy organization, lobbying the State Legislature and Congress to provide opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. Their most recent study found:

• 65% of Minnesotans engage with arts and culture every year (national average is 54%)
• The total economic impact of the nonprofit arts sector in 2024 was $1.6 billion
• The arts sector generates $160.5 million in total state revenue.
• More than 17.5 million Minnesotans attended an arts and culture event in 2024
• Audiences put $605 million into arts and culture related spending
• Minnesota is home to more than 130,000 artists and creative workers

• $86.8 million total economic impact
• 731 jobs supported by arts organizations and their audiences
• 496,418 people attended arts events in 2024
• $36.69 average spending per person, per event (beyond ticket costs)
• $12.6 million in total tax revenue generated (local, state, and federal)