Economic Impact of OIGC and Oakland-area Arts Organizations
Non-profit arts organizations, such as Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), serve as economic engines within our community. In contrast to for-profit enterprises that may prioritize wealth accumulation among executives and shareholders, non-profit arts organizations play a vital role in the local economy by reinvesting every dollar back into the local community. Through our programs and activities, we do more than fulfill our artistic mission to “inspire joy and unity through… music” – we actively promote the positive aspects of our city and stimulate economic growth 'from the middle out,' fostering a dynamic cultural landscape that benefits individuals, businesses, and the broader region.
Every dollar through our door is thoughtfully invested, creating a ripple effect that extends well beyond our operations. Through our annual budget of roughly $1 million, we directly employ 7 full-time staff and engage 30-50 musicians, artists, and other production personnel annually. This includes sound engineers, lighting technicians, and stage managers, contributing to a comprehensive economic impact across various sectors of the local workforce. Moreover, our commitment to engaging guest artists and production staff, with such expenses totaling more than $100,000 annually for self-produced events like our Annual Holiday Concert, fosters collaboration and supports freelance artists and professionals within our region. This reinvestment not only sustains local talent but also enhances the overall artistic quality and cultural vibrancy of our performances. We purchase local goods and services to produce our performances, and actively seek to work with locally-owned businesses and vendors for production and operations support. While we are selective and strategic with the allocation of our scarce resources, we ensure competitive compensation for the people and vendors we work with, and the dollars we spend are funneled straight back into our community.
Our 90+ performance events each year - including 20-30 ticketed events such as signature concerts like our Annual Holiday Concert at Oakland’s historic Paramount Theatre - attract thousands of attendees annually. In FY24, we estimate more than 100,000 people saw some iteration of our 7-8 choral ensembles perform – highlighting the best of Oakland, both in and beyond our community. Our events generate revenue through ticket sales for us and our guest artists and for our venue partners and vendors. When we are hired as guest artists for other organizations, we attract audiences beyond our usual reach. Our performances also stimulate spending in ancillary sectors: In-person audiences, numbering between 50,000 to 75,000 attendees annually, contribute to local businesses by purchasing tickets, dining at nearby restaurants, utilizing transportation services (parking, fuel, public transportation, bridge tolls), and engaging in pre- and post-event activities. Furthermore, our destination concerts draw attendees from outside the immediate area, resulting in spending on accommodations, dining, and other entertainment opportunities, injecting vital funds into the local hospitality and tourism industries.
Direct Economic Impact:
Employ 7 full-time employees at regional compensation / benefits levels
Engage 30-50 musicians, artists, and production staff
Production expenses exceed $100,000 annually, including guest artists and production staff
Total annual budget of nearly $1M
Indirect Economic Impact:
90+ performances annually, including ~25 ticketed events
Estimated audience attendance of 75k annually (Audience sizes vary from a hundred to multiple thousands)
Revenue generation through ticket sales, merchandise, performance fees and other earned income
Event attendees contribute through spending on dining, transportation, and accommodations, especially for Destination Concerts, like our Annual Holiday Concert
Estimated Total Economic Impact:
Estimated annual economic impact of approximately $1.9M, or nearly $2.00 per dollar spent
Represents comprehensive contributions to the local economy, include payroll/people expenses, production costs, ticket sales revenue, and additional spending generated by events and activities
OIGC – like the roughly 200-300 other arts and cultural organizations in our city – is a vital economic asset for Oakland by attracting visitors, stimulating local spending, and bolstering the city's reputation. As a reputable and positive organization, OIGC contributes to the city's economic vitality by showcasing Oakland's best attributes to regional, state, and national audiences, attracting further tourism dollars, and supporting local businesses. OIGC's presence on the national stage not only fosters a positive image of Oakland but also generates tangible economic benefits by drawing audiences, patrons, and opportunities to our city, ultimately contributing to economic growth and prosperity.
Take action today! Support Oakland arts and local economy through donating to your beloved arts organization. To support OIGC, visit www.oigc.org/donate.