The Creative Economy: A Vital Pillar of Mesa’s Economic Development 

Communities around the globe harness the power of the creative economy to drive job creation, stimulate innovation, and promote cultural tourism. Mesa, Arizona, is no exception. The city's arts and culture scene is a dynamic force, integral to economic development and community vitality.

How Arts and Culture Affect Mesa’s Economy

In Mesa, the creative economy is a crucial driver of local commerce. In 2022, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, the city's arts and culture sector generated $35.3 million in economic activity. This included $19.3 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $16 million in event-related spending by audiences. This economic activity supported 960 jobs, provided $43.1 million in personal income to residents, and generated $13.2 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.

According to the study, when people attend cultural events in Mesa, they contribute significantly to the local economy. Attendees spend an average of $30.37 per person per event, excluding admission costs, benefiting local businesses, including restaurants and retail shops. Additionally, 17% of event attendees are nonlocal visitors, spending an average of $53.23 each. This influx of visitors bolsters the tourism sector, with many stating that their primary reason for visiting Mesa was to attend a specific cultural event.

Community Pride and Livability

Mesa’s arts and culture organizations also foster a sense of community pride and identity. The AEP6 study revealed that 85% of attendees feel that the cultural activities and venues in Mesa inspire pride in their neighborhood or community. Moreover, 86% of respondents indicated they would feel a significant loss if these cultural offerings were no longer available, and 77% view these venues as important community pillars.

State and National Impact

The impact of arts and culture extends beyond Mesa. In Arizona, the creative economy generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2022, supporting 19,427 jobs and providing $226.1 million in tax revenue. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations in the state spent $500.9 million, which supported 11,266 jobs and generated $126 million in government revenue.

Nationally, according to the AEP6 study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the United States generated a remarkable $151.7 billion in economic activity in 2022. This included $73.3 billion in organizational spending and an additional $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by audiences. This economic engine supported 2.6 million jobs and generated $29.1 billion in government revenue.

Advancing Business. Enhancing the Community.

Investment in the arts creates communities where people want to live, work, and visit. It fosters social connections, enhances community identity, and drives economic growth by attracting tourists and potential residents.

By continuing to invest in arts and culture, Mesa can ensure sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for its residents.

Visit some of Mesa’s arts and cultural assets today.

For a more comprehensive list, visit Arts & Culture at VisitMesa.

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City of Mesa Office of Economic Development Welcomes New Team Members Vince Orleck and Sky Stone

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce the hiring of Vince Orleck as Project Manager and Sky Stone as Program Assistant. Both join the team as of June 2024, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting Mesa's economic growth.

Vince Orleck will serve as Project Manager, responsible for the management, marketing, and facility oversight of Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios and LaunchPoint, Mesa’s Technology Incubator. Vince has been a prominent leader in the Greater Phoenix entrepreneurial community for nearly a decade. Prior to joining the City of Mesa, he was the Digital Communications Manager at ASU Knowledge Enterprise, where he played a key role in marketing efforts for the Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, ASU Economic Development, and other ASU initiatives.

Vince has also been an active ecosystem builder within the yesPHX community, an advisor for HUUB, a lead organizer for PHX Startup Week, and the president of Social Media Club PHX.

Sky Stone joins as a Program Assistant supporting Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios. With a BS in Digital Audiences from ASU and an AAS in film production from Scottsdale Community College, Sky brings her expertise in digital media and community service to her new role.

Sky has been with the city since 2021, initially working with the Housing Department on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and later as a House Manager at the Mesa Arts Center. Her experience includes aiding local entrepreneurs at the Scottsdale Civic Centers Digital Media Lab and teaching residents about technology.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vince and Sky to our team,” Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O'Donnell said. “Their diverse backgrounds and passion for small business support and development will be invaluable as we continue to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Mesa.”

Vince may be reached at Vincent.Orleck@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3356. Sky may be reached at Skylar.Stone@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-4567.

 MBB Studios Exterior 

Grand Opening for Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios

Mesa's thriving small business and entrepreneurship ecosystem unveiled a new hub for innovation and collaboration with the grand opening of Mesa Business Builder (MBB) @ The Studios. Located at 59 E. 1st., in downtown Mesa, this state-of-the-art facility is a game-changer for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations seeking to grow and prosper in Mesa.

MBB @ The Studios, spearheaded by the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, is a testament to the city's commitment to foster a vibrant economy and support businesses of all sizes.

Entrepreneurs, businesses, workforce development service providers, educational institutions, industry associations, and youth entrepreneurship programs are among those who will benefit from the diverse offerings at MBB @ The Studios.

Key features include:

State-of-the-Art Technology Tools: Access to cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including a computer lab, a podcast studio, gaming/app development zones and an AR/VR studio, enabling entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

Free Training and Collaboration Space: A modern, multi-use venue providing free access to training, event space, collaboration areas, and conference rooms, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.

Community Engagement: MBB @ The Studios serves as a nexus for networking, education and skill-building, offering workshops, events, and training opportunities tailored to the needs of Mesa's dynamic business landscape.

Access to MBB @ The Studios is available by scheduling through the online reservation system at MBBtheStudios.com.

For more information about MBB @ The Studios, please visit MBBtheStudios.com or contact:

Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios
59 E. 1st St.
Mesa, Arizona 85201
480-644-6958
MBBtheStudios@MesaAz.gov