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A LIT TLE OVER A YEAR AGO, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation recognized the need for Macon to know the true local economic impact of arts and culture. Macon Arts Alliance was therefore tasked with coordinating the study, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, a project of Americans for the Arts (the nation's leading non-profit organization for advancing the arts in America). For this great undertaking to occur, commitment from the Arts Roundtable member organizations was critical. The Arts Roundtable's purpose is to facilitate collaboration, contribute to professional development, coordinate the calendar of events, and advocate for the arts, culture and heritage industries in Central Georgia. These member organizations are at the core of Macon's revitalization and growth. With their pledge to this study, generosity from the Knight Foundation, and assurance from Macon Arts, a year of discovery began. Beginning in January and lasting throughout 2016, Macon Arts, along with members of the Arts Roundtable, collected over 800 surveys from patrons attending events across our county. We met patrons that lived near, those that traveled to our community specifically because of our offerings, young patrons, seasoned cultural aficionados, and first-timers. This truly allowed us to connect with our audiences and learn from the people we're engaging. Surveys, along with financials and programming details from leading organizations will all be used to procure the finalized economic impact. In June of 2017, this report will tell us just how many jobs and how much money arts and culture represents in our city. Americans for the Arts has conducted similar economic impact studies in more than 400 U.S. communities since 1994. Their methodology is sound. In fact, their economic impact data is used consistently by the Congressional Arts Caucus on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to support federal arts support. The unveiling will occur at Macon Arts' annual Arts Advocacy Breakfast in June. The breakfast is designed to build support for the arts, and grow partnerships within economic and community development initiatives and in local government. The Macon Arts Alliance would like to formally thank the organizations, individuals, and volunteers who made the attainment of information so effortless. The spirit of collaboration was alive and thriving throughout the entirety of this experience, and for that we are incredibly grateful. A R T S & E CO N O M I C P R O S P E R I T Y 74 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 7 OVATIONS365.com