118 Million Reasons to celebrate Independent Artists

San Antonio Artists Induce Spending via almost everything they do.

Arts events draw people into the downtown areas and beyond, and the artists are circling dollars through the local economy when they pay for services like set painters, electricians, staging companies, and more.

Arts events attract new dollars and retain those dollars in local economies.

The San Antonio economy is no exception, and according to data provided by Get Creative San Antonio, that cash injection is a $4.8 billion biennial boost to the local economy.

Over $118 million of which comes from the creative minds of Independent artists, writers, and performers.

Reason enough to keep a few buskers on the corner to serenade you on your evening walk to the carport.

When visitors flock to San Antonio to attend art events that often means an infusion of money into other local attractions.

Restaurants, bars, local transit, lodging, and souvenir shops all benefit from people enjoying a night on the town.

See the recent interest in renewing a decades-old festival like La Semana Alegre, taking place this April at Hemisfair Park.

If the turnout is anything like the organizers are hoping for, they will bring happy festival-goers downtown for a weekend of music, entertainment, and checking out the best local attractions.

According to the Americans For The Arts resident & CEO Robert Lynch, “A non-local can contribute on average of $161.83 per person expenditure when visiting for an art event.”

In Singapore, the local tourism board just paid a boatload of money to Taylor Swift, and the real focus was on the hundreds-fold amount of her presence is to bring the local economy.

Whether at the top of the mountain or on your local street corner, artists are paving the streets in glitter and gold in more ways than one.

Places to see artists in SA

Artpace

A local creative laboratory backed by Artpace San Antonio, a nonprofit that supports Texas, national, and international artists creating new art.

Carver Community Cultural Center

An East Side staple, on a mission to celebrate diverse cultures, with an emphasis on its African heritage by providing artistic performances, community outreach, and educational programming.

Studios By Alamo

An outfit focused on building and repurposing old buildings to design creative studios. Creative work spaces available for lease.

Hausmann Millworks

Complex of over 65 studios, shops, and creative schools in the Alta Vista neighborhood of town. A place for creative people in the midtown area.

Web House Café & Bar

A local venue where people gather and socialize. Great beers, pelmeni, chebureki, and coconut shrimp to tame your tastebuds. An amazing Open Decks DJ night that gives rising DJs a place to shine.

502 Bar

Craft beer bar and live music venue. one of the better sound systems in town, and host well executed touring band shows. Mondays are karaoke night.

Smoke Skybar

Outdoor bar with cityscape views of the San Antonio skyline. Themed events, BBQ, Live DJ, with an engaged adult atmosphere come nighttime. Some great national acts breeze through this outdoor space.

Paper Tiger

O.G. indie/punk/hardcore/everything spot. Right on the famous North Saint Mary’s Strip. Host to many all-ages shows.

The Rustic

Simple is good at The Rustic. Kitchen. Backyard. Bar. Live music. Locally sourced ingredients for a farm to table fare, paired with excellent craft beers. This place is a great spot to see local and national acts performing live and outdoors.

The Starlighter

Small venue curating events for market vendors, and touring bands local and non-local alike. A place for concerts that also hosts drag shows. All are welcome at The Starlighter.

Are you an artist looking to grow in your career?

Pineapple House Platforms is a creative agency with a focus on elevating San Antonio artists. Services in photography, digital media, artist development, and coaching.