Arts give Boston economy a $2b boost, report says

The region’s arts and culture sector contributes about $2 billion annually to Greater Boston’s economy, according to findings from a report conducted by the nonprofit group ArtsBoston.

The report, sponsored by Bank of America, says area arts and cultural events attract roughly 21 million people every year, more than four times the combined attendance at Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox games.

“The arts are as integral to Greater Boston’s DNA . . . as our championship sports teams, cutting-edge technology, and world-class education and health care — but they remain an underleveraged asset,” ArtsBoston executive director Catherine Peterson said in a statement.

ArtsBoston estimates that arts and culture patrons spend $675 million at businesses, restaurants, and parking facilities annually. Another $1.3 billion is derived from a “direct infusion” into the economy by “arts, culture, and creativity,” it said.

The report also found that the arts sector “creates more than 30,000 jobs, nearly as many as the retail industry in our region.”

The full report will be made available online on May 30, according to the ArtsBoston website.

Findings from the report were scheduled to be unveiled Tuesday evening at an event hosted by the nonprofit.