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In the United States, we believe that the freedom of assembly and expression--particularly the expression of shared community interests and cultural values--are important in fostering the development of social capital essential to sustainable development. Developing indicators of processes that contribute to creating social capital is still in its infancy and much work must be done to identify appropriate indicators and associated data sets. Participation in the arts and recreation that brings people together from diverse backgrounds are thought to be processes that contribute to building social capital. The information presented in this indicator is a first step in trying to assess trends in such participation by examining data on attendance, expenditures and employment.
Availability of long-term data on participation and expenditures for arts and recreation that brings people together is limited. However, as shown in Figure 4.51, there is data for the period 1992-1996. Expenditures for books and maps were approximately equal to combined admissions to motion picture theaters, the performing arts, and spectator sports. During this period, expenditures remained nearly constant in terms of percentage of GDP. In 1996, expenditures for attendance to motion picture theaters, spectator sports, and the performing arts totaled $80.8 billion. This was about 0.3% of GDP and 4.3% of all expenditures on recreation. These numbers do not reflect the substantial participation in these activities through television, radio, recordings, and other media. These numbers also do not reflect the number of individuals who performed artistic and sports activities in public and private locations.
In 1992, adult attendance--in millions--in seven categories of arts events was as follows: art museums--49.6, musicals--32.3, plays--25.1, classical music--23.2, jazz--19.7, opera--6.1, and ballet--8.7. In addition, 75.6 million people attended art/craft fairs. In comparison, attendance was 1.3 billion at motion picture theaters; 106.7 million at professional sporting events; and 68 million at NCAA college football and basketball. Horse and greyhound racing attendance was 77.3 million.
The second figure presenting data on employment in selected cultural and recreational businesses indicates that since 1964 there has been a steady increase in employment in these activities.
References:
Link(s) to be added, when feasible, to data at level of detail suitable
for use at the community level.
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http://www.sdi.gov/indicators/lc_part.htm Last Modified: May 13, 2002 |