New report finds DuPage County’s creative economy generates $8 billion in economic activity

Arts DuPage and DuPage Foundation release first comprehensive assessment of the county’s creative economy and announce 2026 grant recipients

DuPage County’s creative economy generates $8 billion in economic activity and supports 38,208 jobs, according to a new economic impact assessment commissioned by Arts DuPage and DuPage Foundation.

The report is being released as Arts DuPage announces more than $240,000 in grants to arts organizations across the county.

New report quantifies DuPage’s creative economy

The first comprehensive analysis of DuPage County’s creative economy finds that arts and culture are not only important contributors to the county’s quality of life, but also a significant part of its business and economic landscape.

Among the report’s key findings, based on 2023 data:

• $8 billion — Total economic activity generated by the creative economy.

• $4.7 billion — Gross Value Added, representing creative economic value contributed to DuPage County

• 38,208 jobs — Jobs supported across the county, representing 7.9% of total employment.

• $902.2 million — Total tax revenue generated by the creative economy, including $311.8 million in state, county, and local taxes.

• $527.4 million — Direct economic activity generated by DuPage’s core arts and cultural institutions, supporting more than 5,200 jobs.

• 61 cents — Additional local economic activity generated for every $1 produced directly by the creative sector.

The report uses a three-tiered model measuring direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts, incorporating occupational data to capture independent and freelance creative workers often missed by traditional business data sets. It employs a conservative methodology that does not include spending by arts audiences at restaurants, retailers or other businesses, therefore representing a baseline measure of the sector’s economic footprint.

“The arts are part of what makes DuPage County a vibrant place to live, work, and visit, but this report makes clear that they play a vital role in our economic infrastructure,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president and CEO. “DuPage’s creative economy is a substantial economic force, and this data gives our communities a much clearer understanding of the scale and economic significance of the creative sector.”

Launched in 2016, Arts DuPage was created to support, promote, and advocate for the arts throughout DuPage County. Today, the initiative helps nearly 110,000 visitors each year discover local arts experiences through ArtsDuPage.org, promoting 2,200-plus events annually — all in support of nearly 350 arts organizations and more than 200 individual artists.

In the past three years alone, Arts DuPage has awarded more than $605,000 to 47 organizations supporting music, fine arts, theater, dance, and more.

The report was commissioned by Arts DuPage and DuPage Foundation, funded by the Collins Family Fund of DuPage Foundation. It was conducted alongside similar creative-economy assessments of Chicago and the state of Illinois, commissioned by Arts Alliance Illinois.

The full report is available at dupagefoundation.org.

Arts DuPage awards 34 grants

In addition to the report’s release, Arts DuPage is announcing more than $240,000 in grants to 34 organizations supporting arts, artists, and creative opportunities across DuPage County.

Through its seed and sustain grant model, Arts DuPage supports both emerging and established arts organizations whose work impacts, improves, and enriches the quality of life for DuPage County residents. This year’s cohort of grantees includes arts centers, museums, music programs, theater companies, and more.

“So much passion and commitment go into a successful grant cycle like this,” said Lisa Fanelli, chair of the Arts DuPage Advisory Committee. “Strong participation in the application process from the arts organizations, the comprehensive efforts of the grant selection committee, and the generosity of donors that allow us to fund at this level are all important pieces. We are thrilled to be able to significantly support the arts in DuPage and help provide a variety of opportunities and options for the community to enjoy.”

Arts DuPage grantees celebrated alongside Foundation staff, volunteer leaders, and community partners at a Grant Open House held Oct. 7. Recipients received their grants and connected with fellow changemakers and philanthropists to discuss the current landscape within DuPage County.

About DuPage Foundation

Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, DuPage Foundation is DuPage County’s champion for philanthropy. It brings together people, knowledge, and resources to address our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities through collective impact. The foundation’s mission is simple, yet profound: to foster philanthropy, connect donors to area needs, and build community partnerships as it helps people and organizations give efficiently and effectively to the causes they love and create lasting charitable endowments. Since its founding, the foundation has granted more than $125 million throughout DuPage County and beyond. Learn more at dupagefoundation.org.