Infographics | Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA)

Based on the NEA’s 2021 ACPSA Brief and Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, United States, 1998-2021 (ICPSR 36357).

Fact 1

The arts and cultural industries contributed 4.4% of GDP (just over $1.0 trillion) in 2021.

Fact 2

The arts and cultural industries? value added to the U.S. economy was in 3rd place of selected
industries after health care & social assistance and retail trade, and more than
agriculture/forestry/fishing; mining; outdoor recreation; and transportation and warehousing.

Fact 3

The arts and cultural industries? contribution to the U.S. economy rose by 13.7 percent between
2020 and 2021 (a record year of expansion for the sector!), while the overall U.S. economy grew
by 5.9 percent in the same timeframe.

Fact 4

Most arts and cultural industries restored or exceeded pre-pandemic levels of economic activity.
In total, 22 out of 35 arts industries surpassed 2019 and 2020 levels. Arts industries that did
exceptionally well were: publishing and streaming; traditional and software publishing; creative
advertising; and specialized design services.

Fact 5

Ten arts and cultural industries saw 2021 economic gains, but not enough to equal 2019 levels:
independent writers, artists, and performers; performing arts organizations; fine arts schools;
custom architectural woodwork and metalwork manufacturing; musical instruments manufacturing;
and theatrical ticket agencies.

Fact 6

Two arts and cultural industries saw persistent declines in economic value from 2019 through
2021: arts-related construction and philanthropic services (grant-making and giving).

Fact 7

Arts and cultural industries saw 5% increase in jobs in 2021, compared with a 3.1% growth rate
for all U.S. industry jobs over the same period. Nevertheless, total arts employment has not
recovered to the 2019 (pre-pandemic) level of 5.2 million jobs, only reaching just under 4.9
million workers in 2021.