Local Creative Industries Feeling ‘Cautious, But Optimistic’ About Their Economic Footing e654a

Before COVID-19 hit, arts and cultural events and institutions made up 12 percent of the Pitkin County economy, according to a 2019 study recently released by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association . That equals nearly half a billion dollars in economic output, and it’s higher than the statewide average. The monetary value ripples up and down the valley, and data from 2018 point to over 3,000 jobs within the Roaring Fork Valley coming from the creative economy. That industry continues to be hit by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s hope that historically strong for the arts will give local arts organizations the financial boost they need as they navigate the road ahead. 4w3u2f