Maryland's nonprofit arts sector had a $1.16 billion total impact on the state's economy and supported 14,564 full-time jobs in Fiscal Year 2015 – up from $1.05 billion and 12,155 jobs in the previous year.

The newscomes from a new economic impact report from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce that works to encourage and invest in the arts for all Marylanders. Spending by the MSAC's 299 grantee arts organizations and their audiences support the Maryland economy by creating and retaining jobs and generating revenue for businesses and state and local governments.

"The arts are continuing to thrive in Maryland, generating more job opportunities and a better quality of life for all Marylanders," said Governor Larry Hogan, who proposed a record-setting $20.3 million for MSAC in the FY 2017 state budget. "Our dedicated nonprofit arts organizations not only boost our economy, employ thousands of Marylanders, and attract visitors to our state – they also help spur creativity, inspire our children, and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities."

Maryland's nonprofit arts sector offers a variety of benefits to the state and its residents. The 14,564 full-time jobs at arts organizations paid $422 million in salaries to local residents, up from $383 million in fiscal 2014. Nonprofit arts generated $54 million in state and local tax revenue, an increase from the previous year, when the arts brought in $49 million in state and local taxes. Every dollar of the operating budgets of arts organizations in the state generated $3.37 in total economic activity.

"With our arts infrastructure continuing to expand, Maryland has become a model for other states looking to use the arts as tool for economic development," said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. "From our Maryland arts programs in schools, to our support of individual artists, to our thriving 24 arts and entertainment districts across the state, we know that investing in the arts is investing in Maryland's future."

Revenues from the nonprofit arts each grew by 10 percent from FY 2014 to FY 2015, while the number of full-time jobs increased by 20 percent. Salaries were also up by 10 percent and state and local tax revenues climbed 11 percent.

The report also explored the regional economic impact of the arts by dividing the state into six regions.

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