| Allentown, PA — The Arts in the Lehigh Valley mean business—and jobs. That is the message being delivered today by Lehigh Valley Arts Council who announced it has joined the Arts & Economic Prosperity® 5, a national study measuring the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences. The research study is being conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s nonprofit organization advancing the arts and arts education. It is the fifth study over the past 20 years to measure the impact of arts spending on local jobs, income paid to local residents, and revenue generated to local and state governments.
As one of nearly 300 study partners across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Lehigh Valley Arts Council will collect detailed financial data about our local nonprofit arts and culture organizations such as our theater and dance companies, museums, festivals, and arts education organizations. “Many people don’t think of nonprofit arts organizations as businesses,” said Mike Stershic, President of Discover Lehigh Valley, “but this study will make clear that the arts are a formidable industry in our community—employing people locally, purchasing goods and services from local merchants, and helping to drive tourism.” Lehigh Valley Arts Council will also collect surveys from attendees at arts events using a short, anonymous questionnaire that asks how much money they spent on items such as meals, parking and transportation, and retail shopping specifically as a result of attending the event. Previous studies have shown that the average attendee spends $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission. Those studies have also shown that, on average, 32 percent of arts attendees travel from outside the county in which the arts event took place, and that those cultural tourists typically spend nearly $40 per person—generating important revenue for local businesses and demonstrating how the arts drive revenue for other businesses in the community. Surveys will be collected throughout calendar year 2016. The results of the study will be released in June of 2017. “Arts are key to the economic development in the Lehigh Valley and have never been more important,” says Randall Forte Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. “Hundreds of creative industries, nonprofit cultural organizations, and thousands of individual artists of all disciplines—dance, musical, theatrical, visual, literary and media arts—are invested in our community.” The 2010 economic impact study of the Lehigh Valley’s nonprofit arts industry revealed a $208 million industry—providing 7,114 full-time jobs and generating $21 million in state and local taxes annually. “Our Arts & Economic Prosperity series demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.” Complete details about the fiscal year 2010 study are available atwww.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact. Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study is supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. In addition, Americans for the Arts’ local and statewide study partners are contributing both time and a cost-sharing fee support to the study. For a full list of the nearly 300 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study partners, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners. |
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Lehigh Valley Arts Council 840 Hamilton Street, Suite 201 Allentown, PA 18101 610-437-5915 / operations@LVArtsCouncil.org www.LVArtsCouncil.org / www.LVArtsBoxOffice.org |
Tag Archives: tourism
Maple Springs Vineyard Comes To The Colebrookdale Railroad In November
The New York Times Spends 36 Hours in Pittsburgh
Beyond Pittsburgh’s pretty downtown, transformation and momentum reign, with former industrial areas giving way to restaurants, shops and art venues.
Click here to watch the just under 6 minute video.
All Aboard The Star Spangled Express – Colebrookdale Railroad
Long Distance Flight Over Jim Thorpe With The Bridge Project
Steeples And Steel Tours Returning To Bethlehem
Bethlehem’s Steeples and Steel Tours are returning this summer.
Put on by the South Bethlehem Historical Society and the Steelworkers’ Archives, the guided tours include visits to both the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. site and historic South Side churches.
The two groups jointly debuted the tours last year and they were very successful, organizers said.
This year’s tours are scheduled for June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31. The tours are two hours and include one hour at Steel and one hour at a specific South Side church. There are 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. tour sessions.
Read more:
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2015/06/steeples_and_steel_tours_retur.html
Lancaster City Alliance Economic Development Plan Looks At Whole City
The Lancaster City Alliance wants to see $1 billion in private investment in the city over the next 15 years.
It’s one of the many goals — both specific and broad — of the economic development strategic plan the alliance put together to foster the city’s growth over the next 10-15 years.
The plan will be released to the public Thursday evening at the Ware Center.
Bob Shoemaker, Alliance president, and Marshall Snively, its executive vice president, talked with LNP’s editorial board about the year-long process on Thursday.
Read more:
First Friday In Lancaster City Draws Thousands To Downtown For Food, Music and Shopping
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- Steinman Park – Pressroom Restaurant outdoor seating
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- Hanging flower baskets beautify the downtown
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- Large urns of flowers beautify the downtown
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- One of may pianos around the downtown that anyone can sit down and play
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- Food trucks on Queen Street between Hotel Lancaster and old Boluva Building
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- Another view of food trucks
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- Hotel Lancaster
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- Queen Street looking south toward Griest Building and Marriott
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- Food Trucks
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- Penn Square
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- Penn Square, monument and Marriott Hotel
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- Penn Square, gazebo across street
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- Queen Street looking north toward Hotel Lancaster
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- Crowd gathered watching break dance competition next to food trucks
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- Looking south on Queen Street
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- Looking South on Price Street after dark
Another great First Friday in Lancaster City. The day appeared to possibly be “iffy” weather wise but despite some ominous looking clouds at one point in the afternoon, the sky cleared in the early evening and the sun came back out.
There were a bevy of food trucks on the plaza next to the Hotel Lancaster. Musicians lined the streets. The pianos are back and we didn’t pass one that somebody was playing. We even heard some very good jazz being played in Lancaster Square. People from many cultures mingled and enjoyed the entertainment, shopping, eating and warmer weather. The Lancaster Police Department was present along with the Ambassadors ensuring everyone behaved themselves. There was even a break dancing competition going on next to the food trucks that drew a very large crowd.
We also checked out the new pop up pocket park on Prince Street before the First Friday throng arrived. What a nice thing for tourists and city residents, alike. A coffee company and an ice cream vendor (selling Carmen & David’s ice cream) have set up shop here. The park makes use of a parking lot which eventually will be a boutique hotel. The asphalt was been painted, trees and flowers and seating were added. There was even a television crew there from Blue Ridge Cable TV who were filming and interviewing the vendors. Many people were checking this out. When we went by much later in the day it was very full! People were really liking the space!
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- Pocket park later in the day with much larger crowd
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- Passenger Coffee Roaster truck
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- Penny’s Ice Cream (serving Carmen and David’s Ice Cream)
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- View of Penny’s truck with seating and trees
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- Clever use of wood to make flower boxes
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- Balloons make a party
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- The park is the future home of the Surveyor Hotel, a boutique hotel that is opening next year at this location
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- Pop up park signage
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- another view of the park
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- Coffee and ice cream vendors
Lancaster is such a great example of what revitalization can do for a downtown. Up until the 90’s there was no reason go to downtown (other than Central Market). Now, it’s full of shops and restaurants. There are always people on the streets taking advantage of all downtown has to offer. There is nothing better than spending time in a vibrant city!
To check out Passenger Coffee Roasters, click on
Study: Mohegan Sun Arena Pumped $62 Million Into Economy In 2013
WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, PA — A new study reveals that Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza contributed $62.6 million to the economy in 2013, and expansion of the concourse is expected to pump in an additional $7 million this year.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance was contracted by the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority, the governing body of the arena, in May 2014 to conduct the study on behalf of the authority. The NEPA Alliance released the study Thursday.
The economic impact analysis considers three things:
The overall impact of the operations of the arena, which includes the impact from visitors traveling from outside the impact region (farther than 15 miles).
Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/business-local-news-news/153910780/
10 Reasons To Visit Downtown York This Summer
If you love bacon, beer and the beach, then a trip to York City might be worth your while this summer.
Downtown York might not be the island vacation you’ve been dreaming about, but you will be able to feel the sand between your toes during at least one York event this summer.
We spoke with Downtown Inc. marketing director Meagan Feeser and some downtown businesses about some of the events, attractions and activities coming to the city in the next few months.
See all ten reasons by clicking here:
Braddock’s Backers See Lots Of Potential In Community’s Future
When talking about Braddock, Molly Rice and Jeffrey Carpenter avoid the word “revitalization.”
The term, they say, implies what already exists in the community isn’t vital, and, therefore, doesn’t apply to the historic town.
“Braddock isn’t what you might think it is. There are so many elements and varieties of colors and layers and things to see,” says Rice, a playwright who’s working with Carpenter’s Bricolage Production Company and Real/Time Interventions to bring her “Saints Tour” immersive theater experience to Braddock in May and June.
The show is one of many efforts to draw outsiders in while the community continues to move forward from its unstable past.
Read more: http://triblive.com/aande/moreaande/8147634-74/braddock-sousa-theater#ixzz3ZrLDNYdB
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook
Philly in Bloom
Development Could Soon Be Booming In West End
Pittsburgh’s building boom, centered for years on Downtown and East End neighborhoods, is spreading into the West End.
Developers are focusing on Banksville Road where nearly $3 million is being spent to build a hotel, an office building and an expansion of offices for an engineering firm.
“The city of Pittsburgh overall is doing well in terms of development,” said City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who represents West End communities. “Banksville has good access to Downtown, the Parkway (West), the airport and suburbs.”
A Comfort Inn and Suites is going up near a Days Inn along lower Banksville Road. The $2.7 million project includes a four-story hotel building with 69 rooms and 64 parking spaces, according to Pittsburgh Planning Commission records.
Read more: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/8187310-74/banksville-building-west#ixzz3XfbnKxm8
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Plan Calls For 175 Luxury Apartments In Downtown Kennett Square
KENNETT SQUARE, PA – Borough officials are considering a plan that would bring 175 luxury apartments and a pub restaurant to the western section of town.
Called The Lofts, it will be located very close to Victory Brewing Co. on Cypress Street that will open sometime this month. Specifically it will be bordered by State Street to the north, Washington Street to the east, South Mill to the west, and Bernard Alley to the south.
Developer, StanAb Real Estate Development Co. of West Chester, purchased the entire 600 block of State Street recently, which had been the site of Kennett Motors and Kennett Transmissions.
“Except for Magnolia Place, there are few other choices (for rental housing),” said Tony Stancato, an executive with StanAb. “The lure of Kennett Square is that is has walkable amenities, and there are many businesses wanting to come to Kennett. Demand for rental has been increasing with those ages 20 to 34 holding off buying decisions for many reasons. Kennett Square is an underserved marking for rental housing.”
Read more:
Pittsburgh: Best Places In The World To Visit
Pottsgrove Manor To Host Tape Loom Weaving Workshop Saturday, April 18, 2015
Pottstown, PA – On Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pottsgrove Manor will host a workshop on the basics of weaving linen tape on a box loom.
The class will be taught by Eleanor Bittle, who has been active in preserving local history for many years and continues to participate in the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival each year. She has researched colonial-era tape making for nearly four decades, earning her the nickname of “The Tape Lady.” In this hands-on workshop, Ms. Bittle will explain the history and uses of woven tape and teach the fundamentals of the tape loom: pattern design, warping the loom, and weaving.
This workshop is open to adults and children ages 12 and up. There is a materials fee of $30 per person for the workshop that includes threads, instructions, and lunch. Participants may bring their own (unwarped) tape loom or purchase a cardboard loom for an additional $15 per person. Class size is limited to 10 to ensure individual instruction. Registration and payment are required by March 27, 2015. Please note: Cancellations given before March 27, 2015 will receive a full refund. Cancellations given after March 27, 2015 will not be refunded.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours begin on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at http://www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.
Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor
Authority: Lancaster Will Need More Parking In Several Years
The Lancaster Parking Authority is about maxed-out on parking offerings, according to its executive director.
And the authority will need to add parking in several years to meet higher anticipated demand, according to Larry Cohen. So now’s the time to start planning.
The demand will come — in part — from a 96-room hotel planned next to the Lancaster County Convention Center, more and larger conventions that are anticipated at the center and other economic development, according to a report Cohen put together.
Cohen said he thinks there’s a misperception that there’s an abundance of parking because of the number of parking garages in the city.
Read more:
Moving Joe Palooka Monument To Wilkes-Barre Will Punch Up Downtown, Former Councilman Says
WILKES-BARRE, PA — Former city councilman Tony Thomas wants to bring Joe Palooka back to the downtown.
Thomas has started a campaign to move the Joe Palooka monument on Route 309 in Hanover Township to Wilkes-Barre at a site yet to be determined.
Thomas will sponsor a fall wine festival Oct, 9-11 in Kirby Park to raise funds to move the monument dedicated to the famous comic strip and its creator.
But there are several questions and issues that must be resolved.
Read more:
http://www.timesleader.com/news/home_top-local-news/152127259/
Philly’s On A Roll
Kat Clark, 25, has chosen to make a home in West Philadelphia after graduating in 2012 from Swarthmore College.
“It’s just a great place to live,” she said as she sipped coffee at La Colombe in the shadow of City Hall. Though the Chicago-area native considered relocating to New York City after school, the lure of Philadelphia’s cultural offerings, combined with the city’s comparative affordability, proved too tempting.
“There are a lot of artistic people around and this great academic scene,” she said, ticking off a laundry list of attributes that drew her to move here. “It’s not too large, but you can still do everything else you would do in a big city.
“In Philly, there’s still a lot going on, but you have space to grow,” echoed her friend, 24-year-old Tayarisha Poe.
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Philly_is_on_a_national_roll.html
Hotels, Money, David Cohen Helped Philly Snag 2016 Democratic National Convention
WASHINGTON – Hotels, money, Comcast executive David L. Cohen, and maybe some special treatment at the Liberty Bell all helped Philadelphia get over the top to win the right to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention, city and party leaders said Thursday afternoon.
“The role of Philadelphia in shaping our nation’s history is unmatched,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.), chair of the Democratic National Committee. “But what’s also unmatched is the comprehensive proposal” the city put together.
The three finalists to host the convention — Philadelphia, New York and Columbus, Ohio — were judged on logistics, security and resources to host the gathering that Democrats hope will serve as an energizing springboard to the 2016 presidential race, Wasserman Schultz said on an afternoon conference call with reporters.
Philadelphia presented the best combination of all three – though the proximity of thousands of hotel rooms to the Wells Fargo Center and sports complex were among its biggest draws, she said.
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