ST. GEORGE — The 2023 St. George Art Festival provided a significant economic boon for the region, according to a study conducted by Kristy Grayson, professor of marketing, and students in Utah Tech University’s College of Business.
The study showed that this year’s Art Festival had an estimated economic impact of approximately $30 million, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the city of St. George.
The study showed that approximately 23,000 (70%) of the 30,000 attendees were local residents, with the remaining 30% visiting from outside the area. The economic impact figure considers the number of attendees, whether or not they traveled from outside the region to attend the event, and includes estimates of amounts spent in lodging, art festival shopping, local restaurants, shopping in local stores and other activities in the area.
The study noted that attendees had a positive reaction to the festival and would be willing to recommend it.
“We are thrilled by the support of the community in joining us this year for another fun-filled event with music, film, kids activities, food and lots of amazing artists,” Michelle Graves, St. George’s deputy director of art and events, said in the news release. “We love providing this event and seeing the economic impact that comes to our community.”
Occurring on Easter weekend each year, the 2023 festival hosted 157 artists and 40 food vendors. The comfortable temperatures made for an enjoyable weekend where visitors and residents could see and purchase art, participate in the Art Attack 1 Mile Run, watch independent films at the Desertscape Film Festival 2.0 and enjoy live entertainment from 30 performers — including the festival’s first-ever headlining band, the Spazmatics.
“The St. George Art Festival is such a welcoming community event highlighting fine arts — it is an event that provides enjoyment for all ages,” Graves added. “Thanks to everyone for their support. The festival may be over for this year, but we are looking forward to next year’s Art Festival.”
Applications for artists, food vendors and performers to be part of the St. George Art Festival in 2024 will open Sept. 1.
About the St. George Art Festival
The St. George Art Festival began in 1980, showcasing the many artists who call St. George their home. Over the years it has expanded to include over 150 artists juried from hundreds of entries from throughout the United States.
Over 30,000 people from around the West converge on St. George and enjoy thousands of original works of art, live entertainment on two stages, a vibrant children’s area and all types of food. The St. George Art Festival takes place each year at Historic Town Square on Main Street, nestled between Tabernacle Street and 100 South.