When people think about lucrative industries, the nonprofit arts and culture sector likely isn’t the first that comes to mind. However, in Hawaii, nonprofit arts organizations contribute over $205 million per year to the economy, which includes supporting nearly 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

This data comes from Arts and Economic Prosperity 5, the latest economic impact study from Americans for the Arts. The data, collected in partnership with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, reflects spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations themselves, as well as spending by audience members attending events and performances. The state of Hawaii was one of 341 study regions nationwide.

“We’re hoping that this [study] acknowledges that we all work together,” said Terry Liu, consultant to the Hawaii Arts Alliance. “A lot of industries in Hawaii, like manufacturing and design, tourism and hotels, already know that.”