Nonprofit Arts Finances Diverge Sharply Across U.S. Cities, Report Finds
A recent report highlights a significant disparity in nonprofit arts finances across major U.S. cities, revealing that the revenue gap between the highest- and lowest-performing locations has increased by 117% from 2019 to 2024. Local government funding accounted for only 5% of average organizational expenses in 2024. Attendance is still 44% lower than pre-pandemic figures, with 31% fewer programs available. While 40% of organizations have managed to increase attendance since 2019, 54% experienced declines. The report assessed data from over 4,400 nonprofit cultural organizations in ten cities, including New York City and Los Angeles, through the City Arts Data Exchange, SMU DataArts, and Bloomberg Associates.
Key facts
- Revenue gap between highest- and lowest-performing cities widened 117% from 2019 to 2024.
- Local government support covered about 5% of average organizational expenses in 2024.
- Attendance remains 44% below 2019 levels.
- 31% fewer programs offered compared to 2019.
- 40% of organizations grew attendance from 2019–2024, but 54% saw declines.
- Mid-sized organizations, performing arts groups, and downtown institutions face steepest pressure.
- Report examines 10 U.S. cities: Atlanta, Cleveland, Des Moines, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Seattle.
- Data from over 4,400 nonprofit cultural organizations via City Arts Data Exchange (SMU DataArts and Bloomberg Associates).
Entities
Institutions
- SMU DataArts
- Bloomberg Associates
- City Arts Data Exchange
Locations
- Atlanta
- Cleveland
- Des Moines
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Sacramento
- Seattle
- United States