Theme: Creative Economy

33% of production costs are covered by box office revenue on average.

$1.23B was invested in the economy by opera companies in 2023–2024.

Midwestern states support about half as many arts and cultural jobs as other U.S. regions.

North Dakota leads the Midwest in arts jobs per capita.

Unionized cultural work is more common in the Midwest than other regions.

Illinois dominates the Midwest in total arts economic activity.

Arts employment in the Midwest leans heavily toward design and manufacturing jobs.

91% of venues operate year-round.

41% of stages have shows at least 4 nights per week.

143 nights a year: the average independent venue hosts live events.