Cultural groups to survey patrons

January 12, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

Patrons at plays, concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events in Mahoning and Trumbulll counties might just find themselves being asked to answer a few questions.

They’ll be given a questionnaire to fill out as part of an effort to measure the financial impact of the arts and entertainment on the local economy. The study is being done by The Power of the Arts, a regional group. It will be compiled by Americans for the Arts, a national advocacy group. The findings, which will be released in June 2012, will be used in fund-raising and grant-seeking efforts.

Arts groups met Monday to get the ball rolling. Just about every major venue is participating in the study, including the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the Butler museum, YSU and the Youngstown Playhouse.

Beginning this month, arts patrons might be asked to fill out an anonymous, nine-question survey. The questions inquire about the patron’s hometown, reason for attending the event, number in party, nights spent in a hotel (if from another city), amount spent on the event (including souvenirs, child care, clothing, transportation and refreshments), age, sex, education level and income range.