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New study examines economic and social impact of arts in Forsyth County

A new study measures the impact the nonprofit arts and culture sector has on the Forsyth County economy. 

The report is called Arts and Economic Prosperity 6, and is part of a national study conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts.

The study shows that locally the industry generated over $196 million in economic activity in 2022. Audience-related spending supported nearly 2,500 jobs and resulted in over $34 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.

And for the first time, the AEP6 report examined how well a community focuses on equity and inclusion.

Chase Law is president and CEO of Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. She says the study highlights how Forsyth County showcases the history and heritage of the community.

"So we have that through the history of Delta Fine Arts, we have that through the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, but also through organizations like Native American Pow Wows that are happening throughout Forsyth County," says Law. "It's a really diverse offering."

Law says the economic and social investment in Forsyth County arts and culture reflects a commitment to supporting and revitalizing the sector.

Neal Charnoff joined 88.5 WFDD as Morning Edition host in 2014. Raised in the Catskill region of upstate New York, he graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1983. Armed with a liberal arts degree, Neal was fully equipped to be a waiter. So he prolonged his arrested development bouncing around New York and L.A. until discovering that people enjoyed listening to his voice on the radio. After a few years doing overnight shifts at a local rock station, Neal spent most of his career at Vermont Public Radio. He began as host of a nightly jazz program, where he was proud to interview many of his idols, including Dave Brubeck and Sonny Rollins. Neal graduated to the news department, where he was the local host for NPR's All Things Considered for 14 years. In addition to news interviews and features, he originated and produced the Weekly Conversation On The Arts, as well as VPR Backstage, which profiled theater productions around the state. He contributed several stories to NPR, including coverage of a devastating ice storm. Neal now sees the value of that liberal arts degree, and approaches life with the knowledge that all subjects and all art forms are connected to each other. Neal and his wife Judy are enjoying exploring North Carolina and points south. They would both be happy to never experience a Vermont winter again.

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