UMass Amherst Alumni Play Active Role in Creative Economy of Western Massachusetts

June 10, 2008

Contact:

Joel Martin 413/545-4169

AMHERST, Mass. – Graduates of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are actively involved in the creative economy of Western Massachusetts through their jobs and as volunteers and financial supporters of cultural organizations, according to a recent survey. Almost half of these alumni report they’d not be living in the Pioneer Valley had they not attended UMass.

The survey found that 52 percent of respondents work in creative industries, with 14 percent identifying themselves as independent artists, musicians, craftspeople, actors, writers, designers and media arts professionals. Another 13 percent are employed in the support system for the creative sector, working with school arts programs, arts centers, funding agencies and service organizations. Fifty CHFA alumni, or 17 percent of respondents, are employed by cultural organizations in the Pioneer Valley.

“The results of this survey demonstrate the key role our graduates play in promoting the vitality of the region’s cultural landscape, first by electing to live here, second by contributing actively as citizens and creative people,” says Joel Martin, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. “At virtually every level and throughout the area, CHFA graduates are enhancing the quality of life in the region.”

Conducted by the Arts Extension Service at UMass Amherst, the survey was commissioned by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts to assess the impact of its graduates, faculty and staff in Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden and Berkshire counties. The online and mail survey received 389 replies, with response rates of 28.6 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

More respondents (46) described themselves as visual artists more than any other occupation, followed by creative artists and writers (41), information and cultural support workers (32), performing artists (29) and applied artists, such as architects, curators, editors and technical writers (26). Nineteen said they are craft artists and 65 “other creative artists” are mostly teachers.

CHFA alumni are supportive of the regional cultural organizations and programs, the survey found. Nearly half (47 percent) make annual contributions to cultural groups in the valley and the annual median gift is $250. Twenty respondents reported gifts of more than $1,000 a year. Cash contributions reported by 108 alumni total $105,000 annually.

Eighteen percent, or 62 alumni, serve on governing boards of Pioneer Valley cultural organizations and 22 percent said they volunteer with such groups for an average of 62 hours annually. Other alumni teach or direct choruses, sing in choirs, play in orchestras or act in theater groups.

Nearly 40 percent of those surveyed said they attend Pioneer Valley cultural events four to six times per year and 29 percent said they attend monthly. Eight percent reported attending cultural events weekly.

This summer, an economic impact study of CHFA alumni is being conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute. The results of that assessment are expected by early fall, according to Michael Goodman, who is leading the study.

Funding for the studies was provided by the Creative Economy Initiatives Fund administered by the UMass President’s Office.

#329-08

E-mail story to a friend Printer-friendly version