Arts Mean Business in Murfreesboro

By Carol White, Associate Director of Operations –

The City of Murfreesboro released the results of the local Arts & Economic Prosperity study on August 15 at a press conference at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, sending a powerful message to the community that the arts mean business in Rutherford County.

Rutherford County’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $31.2 million in annual economic activity—supporting $1,054 full-time equivalent jobs, generating $18.3 million in household income to local residents, and delivering $3.4 million in local and state government revenue, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) economic impact study.

Event presenters included Barbara Wolke, Senior Vice President of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau; Murfreesboro Assistant City Manager Jennifer Moody who coordinated the local study; State Representative Dawn White; and Tennessee Arts Commission Executive Director Anne B. Pope. Presenters recognized and thanked representatives of the 36 local arts and culture organizations reflected in the study, city and county elected officials, Tennessee Arts Commission member Andrea Loughry of Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University leaders who supported the study.