June 29, 2026 — Art and culture have been lucrative for downtown, pumping an estimated $14.3 billion into the local economy, according to a new study by research firm Sound Diplomacy and the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA).
The creative sector supports 66,173 jobs, accounting for nearly 16% of all employment within the Loop. Local cultural operations contribute $11.4 billion in direct output, representing nearly a third (31.5%) of the entire creative economic output for Chicago.
The report also tracked foot traffic, noting that cultural venues and events drew more than 1.2 million attendees in 2025, generating $1.8 billion in economic impact. Festivals, fairs, and conventions led the charge, with attendee spending alone generating $1.4 billion annually.
Meanwhile, downtown museums proved to be a major international magnet, drawing 48% of their audiences from out-of-state or global locations.
Kenya K. Merritt, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), emphasized that investing in downtown culture directly influences the city’s broader economic health.
“The creative sector supports jobs, drives business activity, attracts visitors, and contributes to what makes Chicago a world-class city,” Merritt said.
