COLUMBUS, Ohio – A study released Monday by CreativeOhio reveals the powerful economic force of the state’s creative sector, which directly generated $32.9 billion in annual economic contributions in 2024 and supported more than 132,000 jobs statewide.

The report by the Columbus-based arts advocacy group highlights the sector’s direct, indirect and induced impact on jobs, tax revenue and economic growth for last year.

“Ohio’s creative sector is more than a cultural asset – it’s an economic engine,” Sarah Sisser, executive director and CEO of CreativeOhio, said in a press release. “From our world-class museums and thriving local arts organizations to our innovative for-profit creative businesses, the sector plays a critical role in the state’s economy, employment and quality of life.”

The report highlighted several key statewide findings that tell the story with numbers. They include: 

  • $63.3 billion: The total yearly estimated economic impact from the creative sector (including indirect and induced contributions).
  • 292,141: Number of Ohio jobs supported by the arts and entertainment field.
  • $922.9 million: Amount of direct state and local tax revenue generated each year by the creative sector. 

“Direct” impact refers to the spending or activity directly within a business, while “indirect” refers to the spending or activity that arises from it – the ripple effect as spending reverberates through the supply chain. “Induced” impact is the economic effect that occurs when people spend their income, which then leads to more economic activity. 

Youngstown Region

The report also gives regional breakdowns for the state’s eight key regions: Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. 

The creative industries in the Youngstown region created $1.186 billion for the local economy in 2024. It supported 5,887 jobs and generated $253.7 million in labor income for workers in the region.

The sector accounted for $452 million in value added activity, which is the equivalent of gross state product.

Here is a breakdown of key statistics for the Youngstown region, according to the report:

  • Employment: 3,114 (direct), 1,862 (indirect), 911 (induced), 5,887 (total).
  • Labor impact: $139,946,748 (direct), $71,873,243 (indirect), $41,854,452 (induced), $253,674,443 (total).
  • Value added: $237,677,928 (direct), $133,809,955 (indirect), $80,512,846 (induced), $452,000,729 (total).
  • Output: $703,9893,197 (direct), $341,100,001 (indirect), $141,644,048 (induced), $1,186,727,245 (total).

The study also found that the creative industries in the Youngstown area generate $102.7 million in total tax revenues. A total of $60.1 million of that is in federal tax revenue, with the bulk being from FICA payroll taxes; $27.6 million is in state taxes; and $3.5 million is generated for the various counties. 

The 2024 study reflects a recovery from the pandemic in most categories.

A study for the year 2019 found that the creative sector in Ohio supported more than 329,000 jobs, with $18 billion in payroll and $55 billion in economic output. Those numbers dipped sharply in 2020, during which the arts and entertainment sector faced shutdowns to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In the Youngstown region, the 2019 study found that the region had a total economic impact of $1.046 billion and employed 8,108.

Boosting the Economy

The Ohio creative sector ranks 11th in the nation for economic impact and second among bordering states in total value added to the economy, according to the 2024 study. Arts and culture account for 3% of Ohio’s GDP – a larger economic contribution than education or agriculture.

The report breaks down Ohio’s creative sector into three key components:

  • Creative industries and businesses: Ohio is home to a diverse range of for-profit creative businesses, including marketing and advertising, film and television production, web and game design and more. 
  • Nonprofit arts and culture organizations: Museums, theaters, orchestras and dance companies serve as economic anchors and vital community institutions, directly contributing $9 billion annually and supporting 32,802 jobs.
  • Individual artists and craftsmen: Independent artists and makers contribute significantly to Ohio’s cultural and economic vibrancy.

The creative sector not only fuels economic growth but also enhances Ohio’s quality of life, the study suggests. Arts and cultural institutions create thriving communities, improve physical and mental well-being, foster state pride and strengthen education.

”The creative sector is a key driver of Ohio’s economic vitality, blending innovation with opportunity,” Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said in the release. “By fostering a strong arts and culture ecosystem, we create new jobs, attract investment, and position Ohio as a leading destination for creative talent and business growth.”

The study was conducted in partnership with ArtsinStark, ArtsNow, ArtsWave, Assembly for the Arts, Culture Works, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Toledo Museum of Art and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

Columbus-based CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio’s creative sector. It brings together more than 130 member organizations and provides leadership and advocacy for the arts industry on a state government level.

Pictured at top: Country superstar Luke Bryan performs at Wean Park in Youngstown.