Broward Country Arts are thriving to the tune of $230 million dollars, according to a recent report from Americans for the Arts group.

The study, called Arts and Economic Prosperity IV, showed that the Broward County's arts and culture industry grew by 50 percent from 2005 to 2010, producing $230 million in economic activity. Non-profit organization generated $103 million of the profit, while $127 million was generated by audience attendance at events. The reports claims that this revenue supports 6,402 full-time-equivalent jobs, $157 million in household income to local residents, and $21.9 million in local and state government revenue.

Tourist art appreciate also played a big part in the industry's productivity. The typical tourist will spend an average of $34.60 in audience participation, compared to just $21.63 spent by the average local.

"This research shows that the nonprofit arts and culture industry attracts audiences, spurs business development, provides jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism," says Mary A. Becht, director Broward Cultural Division. "When communities support arts and culture, they enhance the quality of life and invest in the County's economic well-being."

Broward County has recently stepped up its investment into developing artists as viable businesses. The County's Cultural Division is responsible for running programs and events that nurture artistic business ventures, such as the Artist Micro Credit Program, which provides affordable business loans to artist entrepreneurs and the ArtServe's arts incubator, which encourages new arts enterprises through collaboration and support.

The Cultural Division also offers business clinics, financial and marketing incentives, capacity-building technical assistance for artists and cultural organizations, plus networking events among other artist entrepreneurs. The Division also oversees urban design and county facility enhancement through the Public Art & Design Program.