The release also explores connections between vibrancy and three other state-level factors: rural/urban population, poverty levels, and the presence of arts-vibrant cities. Key findings include:

• States with higher proportions of rural population tend to have lower levels of arts vibrancy –with some notable exceptions. Vermont and Maine have the two highest rural populations in the county and have arts vibrancy in the top half of all states.  Among the top 5 most arts-vibrant states overall, Minnesota stands out with 28% rural population, more than double the percentage rural of any other states in the top five. 

• States ranking higher on arts vibrancy generally have lower poverty rates; but having low levels of poverty doesn’t guarantee a top arts vibrancy ranking. The most arts-vibrant state in the country – New York – also has the 15^th-highest poverty level. Three other states with poverty levels at or above the national average in 2022 appear in the top half of the arts vibrancy rankings: Missouri, Alaska, and Louisiana.

“This analysis shows us that there is no single path to arts vibrancy. While we found a certain degree of connection between arts vibrancy, wealth, and the presence of arts-vibrant urban areas in a state, there were just as many exceptions that complicate our understanding of where and under what conditions a strong arts sector can thrive,” said Jen Benoit-Bryan, Research Director at SMU DataArts. “We hope that everyone who cares about the arts can access this data to learn more about their state’s unique arts environment, and that advocates, and policymakers can employ it in their efforts to support artists and creatives in their state.”

The overall Arts Vibrancy Index is composed of 13 unique measures which cover aspects of supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture, and are adjusted for cost of living and population differences among communities. In 2023, the analysis approach was updated to weight the 13 inputs based on their relative explanatory power for the underlying concept of arts vibrancy. This approach improves measurement consistency in the face of data availability delays or other changes in individual datasets from year to year. All metrics have been adjusted to per capita measures and financial metrics have been adjusted for cost of living in order to level the playing field across state contexts. The cost of doing business varies based on local conditions, so the same dollar goes further in some communities than others.

Read the Report