Inside the Valley's $15.8 billion creative economy

Greater Phoenix's creative economy isn't a niche sector — it's a major economic engine.

The background: A wave of strategic investment in arts and culture is elevating Greater Phoenix's national and global profile — and generating real economic returns.

Arts and culture contribute more than aesthetic value; they generate jobs, stimulate spending and shape a region's appeal.

Okay, but: Cultural development in the Valley is no accident; it's the result of targeted initiatives designed to elevate local talent and ensure that creativity is central to the region's growth strategy.

The strategy: The Greater Phoenix Economic Council and its partners actively invest in public arts through partnerships and initiatives that elevate local creativity, including:

• GPEC's virtual gallery platforming the region's artistic talent and making it accessible to a wider audience, helping emerging and established artists gain visibility beyond state lines.
• Roosevelt Row, Phoenix's walkable arts district, home to iconic murals showcasing local talent.
• Ambitious initiatives to unite local artists and community leaders and drive awareness of the region's vibrant arts and culture sectors street and public art scene.

Greater Phoenix represents 75.3% of the state's economy, so regional arts investment isn't just local policy — it's statewide economic strategy.

Key numbers:

• In 2023, Arizona's arts and culture sector contributed $15.8 billion to the state's economy.
• The sector supported 95,300 jobs and $7.3 billion in wages, making up 3% of the state's total economic output.
• Arizona's nonprofit arts and culture industry generates over $1.1 billion in direct economic activity annually.

The result of these efforts isn't just more murals or music festivals — it's a stronger regional identity.

The reason: Arts and culture have become key indicators of regional growth.

• Companies and professionals alike are prioritizing cultural vibrancy when choosing where to work and invest.
• Cities like Nashville and Austin have shown how culture can be a catalyst for local pride and a magnet for talent, driving economic innovation and community development simultaneously.

And Greater Phoenix isn't just keeping pace — it's setting the bar.

What GPEC is saying: "The creative economy is expanding rapidly in Greater Phoenix, with economic output growing 11% year-over-year and employment increasing to nearly 100,000 jobs across the state," says GPEC President & CEO Chris Camacho.

• "Greater Phoenix's identity of diversity and innovation is showcased through the expansive arts and culture ecosystem, which in turn drives the broader economy."

In other words: These aren't just isolated successes — the region's investments in creativity have built one of the most culturally rich and creatively energized sectors in the country.

• Greater Phoenix is home to over 230 galleries, 50 performing arts centers and dozens of music venues.
• Greater Phoenix now ranks third nationally and ninth globally for street art collection, outranking San Francisco, Berlin and Mexico City, according to Street Art Cities.

The takeaway: Greater Phoenix isn't just waiting for cultural credibility to happen; it's spent years building it through intentional investment, broad community engagement and an understanding that a thriving creative economy fuels everything from local innovation, to workforce attraction and long-term growth.

• As the region continues to grow, expect to see brighter color on the walls, more local artists in the spotlight and even greater investments into the Valley's creative pulse.

Discover Greater Phoenix's dynamic creative economy.