Lamppostings

You probably know that downtown Parker originated as a stagecoach stop — a destination for locals and travelers to get a meal, buy supplies and spend time with friends and neighbors. One hundred fifty years later, downtown Parker is still a destination, but it has now become a regional hub for fine dining, unique shopping and high-quality entertainment. This is due in no small part to the hundreds of concerts, plays, classes and events offered at the PACE Center, The Schoolhouse and Discovery Park.

Intuitively, we know that these arts and culture activities make our downtown more desirable. They connect us as a community, inspire us and beautify our public spaces. But arts and culture also drive economic development.

Downtown Parker’s arts and cultural events attract residents and visitors who spend money at local restaurants, retail stores and hotels. The arts organizations that present shows and events are local businesses that provide employment and purchase goods and services from other local businesses.

Using a national economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, a research organization, we are able to estimate the economic contributions of the arts to our local economy.

In 2017, the local economic activity generated by arts organizations and their audiences in Parker was over $10 million. This impressive level of economic activity supported over 300 jobs and drove additional local tax revenue that might otherwise have gone to neighboring cities.

Now you know that by buying tickets to a concert at the PACE Center for your next date night, you are not only improving your love life, you are also helping grow our local economy!