For Immediate Release: March 9, 2006
DBEDT Release News 06-09

Honolulu--The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is conducting a survey of industries in Hawaii's Creative Economy.

The survey is being coordinated by the department's Arts, Film and Entertainment Division (AFED).

Collectively, the Hawaii’s arts community is a significant contributor to Hawaii’s economy. Artisans, businesses and organizations regardless of size, are being asked to provide information that will help to document the significant role the Hawaii’s creative industries plays in the state’s economy.

The Creative Economy is defined as the economic activity of a broad spectrum of commercial businesses, individuals, cultural enterprises, nonprofit institutions and government agencies that directly or indirectly produce goods and/or provide services that are based on intellectual property rooted in, or generated by, artistry, design, aesthetic value or cultural enterprise.

"Preliminary data about the industries in Hawaii's Creative Economy indicates that there are over 25,000 people employed in this economic sector," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "It contributes to nearly every facet of Hawaii's Economy and its communities."

In addition:

• Creative enterprises produce concrete economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenue and consumer spending. As part of this sector, Hawaii's film industry has average annual expenditures of over $100 million employing over 2,600.
• Arts and culture products have value and can be traded in a global economy; they also create bridges for business exchange and connect worldwide communities in ways that other industries do not.
• According to the Americans for the Arts, cultural travelers tend to spend more and stay longer than the average tourist, generating a more significant economic impact for the state.
• Creative production, encompassing everything from environmental design and signage to architecture to public art, can be credited with generating a cohesive sense of place, beautifying communities and contributing to quality of life.
• Hawaii’s distinctive identity. Hawaii’s cultures, music and art influence the overall branding and image of the State.

Through the information gathered from the community's participation in this survey DBEDT intends to:

• Create a network of businesses, organizations and people
• Identify needs to help direct resources to create programs to grow businesses and promote public awareness of art products and services.
• Establish reliable data and information about specific industry sectors.

SMS research is conducting the survey on behalf of the State. Surveys will be mailed directly to participants and organizations. They can also fill out the survey on the web at: http://e-survey.smshawaii.com/DBEDT_npw2/DBEDT_creative_indus.htm.

For questions regarding the survey please contact Ms. Jenine Dankovchik of SMS Research at (808) 440-0737 or toll free at 1-877-535-5767 or by email at jdankovchik@smshawaii.com.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov