Our Mission
We are dedicated to creating opportunities for local artists, makers, and creatives to learn and share, fostering growth in creative expression.
Our Vision
The future of Oak Harbor is a thriving interconnected arts district. Creative people, artistic spaces and year-round opportunities promote discovery, economic growth and the well-being of our community.
Why the Arts Matter
Simply put, the arts are essential to the proper functioning of our society. The arts continue to demonstrate their ability to provide categorical evidence of their impact on social issues that concern virtually every facet of American society. The arts are especially important for our children.
The Washington State Arts & Culture sector represents
8.3% of GDP
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector contributes $41 billion to Washington’s economy, representing 8.3% of the state’s GDP—a larger share than some other industries in the state.
Non-profit Art is a
$35.6 Billion
driver of just one of Washington’s local economies.
In 2015, Washington’s arts and culture sector employed thousands of FTE jobs and generated millions of dollars in economic activity. Nonprofit arts groups helped cultivate that activity.
In Tacoma, for example, nonprofit arts groups generated $74.6 million in economic activity. Audiences of 2.7 million people added another $62.6 million in related spending for a total of $137.2 million for the city in 2015, and this generated $14.0 million in local and state government revenues and 3,656 FTE jobs.
17,642 businesses & 69,844 employees
are involved in the creation or distribution of the arts in Washington State.
In Washington, 17,642 Arts-Related Businesses employ 69,844 people.
In King County, 8,108 Arts-Related Businesses employ 34,536 people.
In Pierce County, 1,408 Arts-Related Businesses employ 4,317 people.
In Spokane County, 1,046 Arts-Related Businesses employ 6,172 people.