Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, Inc.

Arts in the Community

FACTS:

Arts contribute more than any other form of entertainment or recreation, direct and indirect, to local economy

Each $1.00 contributed to the arts generates $13.00 additional money in economic impact

Tourists who come for cultural events stay an extra day in the city and spend 50% more

Arts help attract new business to a city by attracting and fostering high-quality talent allowing a greater retention of entertainment dollars fostering greater diversity creating a vibrant city center

There is a direct correlation between involvement in the arts and increased success of students

Arts are essential to the long-term success of a city

In order to be successful, an arts community must have:

Holistic Vision Leadership Marketing Infrastructure

which includes:

high quality offerings premium institutions diversity of offerings multiple offerings for each segment of audience public art of great quality adequate venues to accommodate many types of art uniqueness to set the community apart

What do we do?

WRCT is the only organization in Wisconsin Rapids to offer live theatre performed by local residents.

An estimated 4,000 patrons attend WRCT productions each year. Approximately 200 people are involved as cast, crew and volunteers on

WRCT’s four annual productions. Over the past 30 years, WRCT has provided a constant source of

entertainment to greater Wisconsin Rapids area residents. From a first season of 13 performances, WRCT now offers over 25

performances each year. In the 2007-2008 season, WRCT presented over 40 performances and events, including 7 productions ranging from fully staged productions to staged play readings.

WRCT offers performing and meeting space to anyone in the community

Recommendations

The arts and business communities need to work together to: create a holistic strategy set specific objectives create regional marketing plan build cooperation between the arts (without sacrificing independence) engage government policy makers determine how much money is needed over what time period identify sources of funding (i.e., sales tax, use tax, bond, private sector,

philanthropy) Include arts in all efforts to improve the city!

“Evaluating the Link Between Arts & Business”Business case study conducted by The North Highland Company

on behalf of the

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

November 29, 2001

Source of Information