A new study from SMU DataArts suggests that arts and culture organizations supported more generously by local governments during the COVID-19 period were more likely to recover strongly in the years that followed.
Drawing on data from 10 cities between 2019 and 2024, the report compares revenue, expenses, attendance, and staffing trends across the arts sector. The findings show a clear split: some cities rebounded beyond pre-pandemic levels, while others continued to lag behind.
The research points to public investment as a major factor in that difference. Cities with steadier local support tended to show healthier financial trajectories, while reduced funding often aligned with weaker recovery. In the cohort, Cleveland stood out with a 48% rise in revenue, supported by strong per-capita arts grants and relief programs for museums, orchestras, dance groups, and writing centers.
Atlanta also posted notable gains, with revenue up 50% and expenses rising 55%, reflecting a sustained funding approach that included regular programs and emergency relief support. By contrast, Philadelphia saw a sharp drop in local arts funding, alongside lower revenue, higher pressure on expenses, and major staffing reductions across arts organizations.
The study does not claim a simple cause-and-effect link, but its researchers argue that consistent local investment remains an important part of cultural resilience. As the City Arts Data Exchange expands to more cities, the dataset is expected to offer a broader view of how policy, funding, and community engagement shape the future of the arts.
For city leaders and cultural institutions, the message is clear: data-driven support can help creative ecosystems adapt, recover, and grow in more sustainable ways. This approach may help define a more resilient cultural landscape in the years ahead.
