A report in Wednesday’s (9/9) Austin Business Journal (Texas) states, “A study released on Wednesday morning shows that the year-old Long Center for the Performing Arts and its three resident companies generate a collective $43 million in annual economic activity for Austin. The study conducted by New Economic Strategies and Avalanche Consulting shows that the center and its performing arts groups—the Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin and the Austin Symphony—account for roughly 950 full- and part-time jobs. Additionally, events at the Long Center draw some 200,000 attendees annually. According to the study, about $20 million of the total economic impact figure happens on site at the center, with an additional $5 million occurring off-site through attendee spending on such things as meals and hotel rooms. The researchers believe an additional $18 million in activity comes from the indirect ripple effects of the primary spending.” In addition, “the facility’s construction generated $105 million for the local economy during the four-year building period, supporting 950 jobs and $40 million in labor revenue.” The center opened in March 2008.
Posted September 10, 2009
