Arts and Crafts Industry Contributes
$54.5 Million Annually to West Virginia Economy

he West Virginia arts and crafts industry contributes more than $54.5 million each year to the state economy, says a recent study conducted by the Small Business Development Division (SBDC) of the West Virginia Development Office.

Approximately 2,539 artists and craftspeople were asked about their overall sales, income, studio situations, and needs; 284 surveys were returned. Six arts organizations from around the state also collaborated on a joint mailing of surveys to their members and affiliated craftspeople across the state. These groups were Mountain-Made Foundation, The Best of the West Virginia, Poplar Forest Artist Co-op, Center for Economic Options, West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and West Virginia Art and Craft Guild. Jack Carpenter, chairman of Mountain-Made Foundation Board of Directors says, “The findings validate what we have long believed: that West Virginia arts and crafts not only contribute to our rich culture, but also to our state and local economies.”

Conley Salyer, director of the SBDC says, “In order to illustrate the importance of the [crafts] industry, it was imperative that we determine how much of an impact it has on the state’s economy.” This study focused solely on the producers of arts and crafts and did not consider the potential contribution of shops, galleries, craft schools, and publications. The study estimates that when these are included the total economic impact of the arts and crafts industry could be more than $81 million. The study also suggests further study into the impact of local and regional guilds and other crafts organizations, as well as tourism-generated craft events.

Modeled on the 2001 CODA (Crafts Organization Directors of America) Survey: “The Impact of Crafts on the National Economy,” this is the first study of its kind to measure the arts and crafts industry in West Virginia.

Nancy P. Herholdt, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History says, “By confirming the significant impact the arts and crafts industry has on the state’s economy, we have given West Virginia artists important leverage to use in promoting themselves and their work.”

For more information, see www.mountainmade.com.