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Poll results

Sponsored by: GoNetspeed, a fiber internet provider

You don't have to be a lover of art to appreciate its value. Just look at the dollars and cents.

A recent study found that Waterville’s arts and cultural nonprofits generated $13.5 million in economic activity last year — more than double the amount in 2015. The arts-related spending supported 174 jobs and created $2.4 million in local, state and federal government revenue.

That's merely one local example. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry, responsible for 2.6 million jobs and producing $29.1 billion in annual government revenue.

Government also helps drive this economic engine. But there are big differences in how each state contributes to the industry of painters and poets, singers and sculptors.

In the current fiscal year, the state of Maine will outlay 80 cents per resident on the arts, according to projections made in July. Maine's spend is the lowest per capita of any state in the Northeast. Pennsylvania is the next-lowest, at 89 cents. Every other state in the region funds the arts at more than $1 per capita.

Despite other funding priorities, should Maine be spending more public money to support the arts?
Yes (71%, 239 VOTES)
No (29%, 97 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: GoNetspeed, a fiber internet provider

You don't have to be a lover of art to appreciate its value. Just look at the dollars and cents.

A recent study found that Waterville’s arts and cultural nonprofits generated $13.5 million in economic activity last year — more than double the amount in 2015. The arts-related spending supported 174 jobs and created $2.4 million in local, state and federal government revenue.

That's merely one local example. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry, responsible for 2.6 million jobs and producing $29.1 billion in annual government revenue.

Government also helps drive this economic engine. But there are big differences in how each state contributes to the industry of painters and poets, singers and sculptors.

In the current fiscal year, the state of Maine will outlay 80 cents per resident on the arts, according to projections made in July. Maine's spend is the lowest per capita of any state in the Northeast. Pennsylvania is the next-lowest, at 89 cents. Every other state in the region funds the arts at more than $1 per capita.

  • 336 Votes
  • 4 Comments
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4 Comments

  • October 25, 2023

    Your numbers are misleading. They should include the amounts lost to tax-exempt properties and tax exempt income. Why a billion dollar company like Maine Health should get a free tax ride all over the state is beyond me. They certainly aren't NOT making a profit. And their executive management, of which there are many, is clearly not paid the meager wages of school teachers and managers. Let's make teachers exempt from state taxes and start taxing the "decision makers" at the top of the food chain.

  • October 25, 2023

    I was fascinated to read a new book called "Your Brain on Art." They use neuroscience data to back up the arts incredible impact on restoring mental health, helping with Alzheimer's and stroke, combating loneliness and creating community, reducing stress, amplifying learning, coping with PTSD, and so so much more. Art is a critical human need.

  • October 23, 2023

    I would rather we spend the extra money to make sure no child is hungry and make sure every elderly person can have heat, food and medications, not having to make sacrifices to one or the other. Keep the arts funding as it is (I am not saying to cut any) but any extra on the table can be better spent on the kids and our elderly.

  • Mollie Cashwell
    October 23, 2023

    The arts, and culture overall, are the backbone of quality of place. Whether combatting social isolation and community division, attracting a highly skilled workforce (especially to rural areas), improving education outcomes, or diversifying tourism offerings, arts and culture are an essential investment for Maine and our economy.