Artisphere marks 10th anniversary with $5.5 million in economic impact
Greenville, S.C. – Artisphere, presented by TD Bank, recorded a stellar year for its 10th anniversary festival with participating artists reporting average sales of $6,800 (up from $6,200 in 2013) and patron questionnaires revealing a $5.5 million economic impact.
The annual event, celebrated this year May 9-11, brought tens of thousands of residents and visitors downtown for the three-day celebration of visual, performing and culinary arts. Despite brief showers on Saturday, crowds bustled with buying energy that pushed art sales just shy of $1,000,000, according to artist surveys.
Second-time exhibitor Amber Marshall (glass) was thrilled with sales and spoke highly of the show stating that “the people are so kind, it’s well organized and attended, [you] can’t ask for a better combo!”
Now ranked a Top 10 Fine Art Show in the country three times (2013, 2012 and 2009), Artisphere once again conducted patron interviews to assess economic impact on the community. An estimated 70,000 people attended the event and pumped approximately $5.5 million into the local economy.
“TD Bank feels that supporting the arts maintains an attractive quality of life in the community, while also benefiting the business community through economic development of our area,” said David Lominack, market president in the Upstate for TD Bank. “TD strives to support organizations that create a better place to live and work, including Artisphere’s important work to create a strong arts community in the Upstate.”
In addition, Artisphere contributed a total of $20,000 to its Arts Partners for their volunteer assistance during the weekend of the festival. Arts Partners for 2014 included Carolina Ballet Theatre, Chicora Voices, Greenville Concert Band, Greenville in Harmony, S.C. Children’s Theatre, S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities, and Pride of Greenville Men’s Chorus. Artisphere has donated $165,000 total to its Arts Partners since 2006.
Programing enhancements such as the “Artisphere After Hours” main stage concert series, the addition of craft beer to the wine tasting experience, the expansion of the silent auction gallery, and a commuter-friendly bike valet were also very well received by artists and patrons alike.
“Ten Artispheres,” the sculpture created by John T. Acorn and dedicated to the City of Greenville, was temporarily taken down to install a 6-foot base but is now back in place. Lighting and landscaping finishing touches are scheduled to be complete in the coming weeks.
Plans for the 2015 festival, scheduled for May 8-10, are already in progress. For more information about Artisphere visit www.artisphere.us.
About Artisphere
Artisphere is a highlight of Greenville’s cultural calendar and a nationally ranked fine art festival. The event features a juried Visual Artist Row; Artists of the Upstate, a juried exhibition of local artists; outdoor stages with performances by local and national artists; hands-on Kidsphere children’s art activities; the Culinary Arts Café that highlights local restaurants; and Special Festival Art Projects that enliven the streets of Greenville with street musicians, acrobats, sidewalk artists, and more. Artisphere is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. For information visit www.artisphere.us.
Via: Artisphere