How do the arts impact our local economy?

BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Local business owners and leaders in the arts, came together for a panel discussion to talk about how fine art impacts our economy.

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce hosted its community building series titled the economic impacts of arts.

Business leaders were meeting with representatives from the Tri-Cities Opera, the Binghamton Philharmonic, Roberson Museum, the Goodwill Theatre, and more.

The executive director of the Broome County Arts Council, Jenny Chang says some of the conversations focused on how an active arts community improves the quality of life and employee retention rate.

"In Broome County, we have symphony, theatre, opera house, we have a lot of galleries. And it's really a way to bring more programming for people to engage in and wanted to stay in this area to continue to work, and perhaps, build a family," says Chang.

Chang says when people attend arts performances and events in areas like Binghamton, they're also going out to eat, staying in hotels, and contributing to the local economy.

She says in a recent survey taken about the Broome County Art Trail over the weekend, 20% of people in attendance were from outside the county.