The spatial economic impact of live music in Orange County, CA

2013-02-18This study explores the spatial-economic relationship between live music events in Orange County, California and measures of economic strength. The purpose of this study is to inform planners and funders of cultural activities about the spatial-economic impacts their allocations have produced so that scarce budgets can be targeted to maximize societal benefits. Spatial analysis techniques, including cluster analysis and geographically weighted regression, were utilized to explore the correlation between live music venues in Orange County, California and economic indicators, including average per capita annual income, number of jobs, and average real estate prices by zip code. Traditional econometric techniques were also included for breadth and comparison purposes. This study is an important step in understanding the effects of cultural spending and adds to the economic impact literature