Nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Doña Ana County, New Mexico generated over $33 million in economic activity in 2015, according to a new study by Americans for the Arts. This figure includes both direct spending by the arts organizations and event-related spending by audience members. A person who attends a nonprofit arts and cultural event in Doña Ana County spends an average of $28.93 at local hotels, restaurants, and stores.

The study, Arts and Economic Prosperity 5, examined data from 341 regions around the country, including Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces in New Mexico. Americans for the Arts partnered with the City of Las Cruces Community Development Department to collect data from the city and county.

“The arts not only connect us and inspire creativity, they generate jobs and are a base economic driver,” says Kathleen Albers, Executive Director of the Doña Ana Arts Council. “This study gives us specific, current data on the financial impact of the arts in Las Cruces and the County.”