CHICAGO, IL — Today, Arts Alliance Illinois (AAI) released The Creative Economy of Chicago & Illinois: Impact and Assets, two landmark research reports documenting the economic, workforce, and community impact of Chicago’s and Illinois’ creative sectors. The reports—one focused on Chicago, one statewide—represent landmark assessments of the creative economy and provide policymakers, economic development leaders, workforce agencies, and cultural stakeholders with new data to inform future investment and planning.
Alongside the reports, Arts Alliance has also released an Asset Map documenting the cultural assets, institutions, and organizations that exist statewide and contribute to the fabric of our state’s creative economy. In coordination with the broader effort, the Chicago Loop Alliance is leveraging the research process to refresh its own analysis of the arts’ economic role in the Loop, also released today, contributing a deeper neighborhood perspective that complements the city and statewide findings.
The reports show what creatives have long known, but not yet had the data to support: that the creative economy—comprised of artists, musicians, designers, architects, filmmakers, publishers, advertising professionals, cultural organizations, educators, creative entrepreneurs, and many others—is one of the most significant economic assets both in Chicago and at the state level.
- In Chicago, where nearly half (47.5%) of the overall state’s direct creative economy output takes place, the creative economy supports 212,875 jobs, generates $50 billion in output, and generates $5.7 billion in tax revenue. It is Chicago’s 3rd largest industry (11.3%), larger than educational services (10.2%), retail (8.3%), and manufacturing (7.9%).
“The findings in this report reaffirm that Chicago’s artists, cultural institutions and creative entrepreneurs are essential to the strength of our economy and the fabric of our communities,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration is committed to investing in local creators and neighborhood arts organizations to maintain the economic momentum that is highlighted in this report and ensure our communities are vibrant and thriving. I thank our partners at Arts Alliance Illinois for producing these studies that will serve as a roadmap for continued investments and advocacy of the arts in Chicago.”
- Looking at the broader picture across the entire state, the creative economy supports 734,269 jobs, representing 12.2% of all employment across Illinois, generates $148.1 billion in output, and contributes $20.6 billion in tax revenue, including $7.4 billion that supports state and local governments. It is Illinois’ 6th largest industry (6.3%), larger than transportation (6.2%), construction (5.1%), and finance and insurance (4.4%).
“From our thriving film and television industry to our statewide network of artists and entrepreneurs, Illinois’ creative sector enhances local culture, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and drives critical economic growth,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As key federal arts funding comes under threat, Illinois is standing strong in its support for the creative sector, advancing innovative public-private partnerships that enrich our communities and empower our creative professionals.”
Arts Alliance Illinois calls on policymakers and stakeholders to use this data to rightsize city and state funding levels for the arts & culture during a time of increased funding volatility for creative workers and organizations.
“We see now that across the state, the creative engine generates $148.1 billion and supports more than 734,269 jobs. Illinois artists, designers, musicians, and creative professionals aren’t just enriching our communities; they are running businesses, employing workers, and building an economy,” said Claire Rice, Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois. “When people talk about the Chicago and Illinois economies, they talk about manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and other key industries. Starting today, the creative sector belongs in that conversation.”
“This report confirms what many of us have long known: Illinois’ creative economy is a powerful force for economic growth, job creation, tourism, and community development. But it also highlights a troubling reality: many of the artists, performers, and cultural workers who make these contributions possible are earning below a living wage, and our state is falling behind the national average in artistic creation,” said State Representative Kimberly du Buclet. “As Chair of the House Museum, Arts, Culture and Entertainment Committee and Co-Chair of the Illinois Creative Caucus, I see these findings as a call to action. We must continue investing in our creative sector, expanding opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and ensuring that the people who enrich our communities can build sustainable careers here in Illinois. Our creative economy is one of our state’s greatest assets, and we must do more to help it thrive.”
Other local reports coming soon are focused on suburban Cook County, DuPage County, and Chicago’s South Side, and Arts Alliance says their data partner is available for a limited time to consider other regionally specific versions of this research. A second phase of research will be released in the future, focusing on the broader impact of the creative economy on civic and social life, deeper economic analysis, and advanced mapping & modeling. Arts Alliance also intends to host a calendar of statewide regional community meetings sharing findings from the report. For more information, visit Arts Alliance Illinois’ website.
“The new arts and culture economic impact studies prove much of what we’ve already known about the creative economy — it matters — and serves as a primary driver for investment, employment and enjoyment of our rich districts, including the Loop,” said Dr. Suzet McKinney, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “As we found in the Loop’s impact, nearly one-third of direct economic output and employment for the City of Chicago is generated by the Loop. That means that to continue growth, we must manifest a downtown built on business and corporations, but equally as important, arts and culture.”
~ ~ ~
VOICES OF SUPPORT FOR THE CREATIVE SECTOR
Support for this work reflects a strong public–private partnership at the intersection of arts, economic development, and community planning, including the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Arts Council, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, World Business Chicago, Good Chaos, the Pritzker Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, and Anne L. Kaplan.
“This report reaffirms that arts and culture are essential to Chicago’s economy and to the vitality of our diverse neighborhoods,” said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. “The creative sector supports jobs, drives business activity, attracts visitors, and contributes to what makes Chicago a world-class city. As we continue to invest in culture, we are investing in one of Chicago’s most important assets.”
“Illinois’ creative industries play a critical role in the state’s economic ecosystem,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. “The insights from this report will help inform our approach to fostering a more diverse and innovative economy.”
Nora Daley, Board Chair of the Illinois Arts Council, stated, “The creative sector is not just a cultural asset but an economic engine for our state, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities. This groundbreaking study underscores the vital role that artists and creative professionals play in fostering economic growth and enriching our communities across Illinois.”
“This report confirms that Illinois’ creative economy is not only a cultural asset, it is a major economic driver that helps attract talent, strengthens downtowns, supports small businesses, and creates the vibrant communities that employers and workers seek,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “As Illinois competes for investment and talent, our creative economy remains an important part of economic development strategy.”
“Chicago’s creative economy is a major driver of the city’s economic strength, and its value extends far beyond the sectors most often associated with arts and culture,” said Phil Clement, President and CEO of World Business Chicago. “Chicago’s creative industries support business growth, strengthen commercial corridors, drive tourism and production, and create demand across the broader economy. Through Chicago 2050, we are advancing a clear idea: vibrancy is not simply an outcome of growth. It is a condition for growth. When Chicago’s creative industries are strong, they attract talent, support small businesses, activate neighborhoods, and make the city more competitive for the next generation of investment.”
###
About Arts Alliance Illinois
Arts Alliance Illinois builds the creative sector’s power through advocacy and connection to resources to improve the quality of life in communities statewide. We envision a just and thriving creative sector supported through public and private investments and engaged residents where artists, cultural organizations, and creative industries are celebrated as integral to the economic, civic, and social vitality of Illinois.
