Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr.’s unwavering advocacy for the arts will result in the Fulton County Commission approving $1.7 million in new arts and culture funding at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday. While the federal government is cutting arts funding, Fulton County is poised to renew its commitment to the arts, underscoring the County’s recognition that the arts are not just cultural treasures but key economic drivers for the metro Atlanta region and the entire state of Georgia.
“I have been unwavering in my support of Fulton County’s arts community because the facts speak for themselves,” said Arrington. “The arts stabilize neighborhoods, grow our local economy, and fuel Georgia’s broader success. From film and broadcasting to theaters and independent artists, these investments return dividends in jobs, revenue, and the quality of life that attracts families and businesses alike.”
Arts as an economic engine
The nonprofit arts and culture sector has been a nearly $800 million industry in metro Atlanta, supporting more than 23,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generating approximately $65 million in local and state government revenue each year.
Fulton County has been home to nearly 50,000 arts and culture jobs—a workforce larger than the three largest private employers in the county combined, second only to Delta Air Lines’ approximately 63,000 employees. Film production alone in Georgia recorded a record-breaking $4 billion in revenue in 2021, much of it anchored in or near Fulton County.
Recovery and quality of life
The pandemic dealt a severe blow to the arts, with a 50–70 percent decline in establishments and jobs in 2021. Fulton’s renewed investment aims to speed recovery while reinforcing the arts as a vital quality-of-life magnet. “Companies chase people, and people chase quality of life,” Arrington said, underscoring that vibrant cultural scenes help recruit top talent and new residents.
Fulton County has long “put its money where its mouth is” in supporting the arts. Through initiatives like Fulton Films, which manages more than 200 filming venues and has generated significant permit revenue, the County has positioned itself as Georgia’s governmental leader in arts and culture. The film office has supported major festivals and programs, including the Atlanta Film Festival, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Women in Production Atlanta, and the Fulton County Schools Film Festival.
“This $1.7 million funding commitment continues that tradition, ensuring that Fulton remains at the forefront of arts investment—driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enriching the lives of residents across the metro region and the state,” Arrington said.
About Post Author
