ICC chosen as Arts Alliance Illinois survey site for study on economic impact of arts

       The Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center has been chosen as a participating site for a study on the economic impact of the arts.
       The study, entitled “Arts and Economic Prosperity IV,” is being conducted by Arts Alliance Illinois and examines several factors regarding consumer spending as it related to the arts.
       “We’re gathering this data on arts organizations and audiences to put together a picture of the economic impact of arts and culture in Peoria,” said Brian Inman, policy and research associate for Arts Alliance Illinois. “We survey audience members about where they came from and what they are spending money on as it relates to the arts.”
       Arts Alliance Illinois, which has its home office in Chicago, worked with Peoria-based ArtsPartners of Central Illinois to select survey sites in Peoria.
       “ArtsPartners gave us some suggestions for some really good venues, and Illinois Central College certainly came up,” Inman said.
       Survey takers poll will be polling audience members at 20 to 30 events in the Peoria area, including selected performances in the ICC Performing Arts Center through the end of the year. The data will then be tabulated by Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, and is scheduled to be released in Spring 2012.
       The study is the fourth to look at the economic relationship of the arts with the economy. Results of the third study are available at http://www.americansforthearts.org/information_services/research/services/economic_impact.
       Founded in 1982, Arts Alliance Illinois is an advocacy group for the arts and arts education in Illinois.
       The Illinois Central College Arts & Communication Department strives to enhance the arts community and expand education beyond the classroom. The department presents more than 500 performances, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, master classes, clinics, seminars, receptions, orientations, forums, auditions and tournaments annually.