Arts and culture can bring distinction and visitors to a region. Access to arts and culture can foster creativity in children and increase social cohesion, relationships and a sense of belonging in communities. In the MetroWest region, many indicators of the health of the sector show positive increases.

In 2022, MetroWest had somewhat fewer establishments in the Arts, Establishment and Recreation Sector (5.5 per 10,0000 residents) than the state as a whole (6.2), but the sector has grown steadily since 2012. 

In 2023, almost $6.4 billion was spent by visitors to MetroWest, or about $2,000 per resident of the region. This is a 18% increase in the region since 2006. MetroWest comprised about 27% of the $23 billion spent statewide.

Attendance at arts and cultural organizations helps demonstrate the importance of the sector to the community and provide insight into how institutions are engaging the community. In 2022, nearly 4.6 million people visited an arts and culture institution in the MetroWest region. About 1.4 million were paid attendees and about 3.2 million attended for free.

Employment in the arts and culture sector provides insight into the sector’s financial strength and contribution to the larger regional economy. In 2021, 1.2% of jobs in MetroWest were in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector, slightly lower than the levels at the state and nation (1.3% and 1.4% respectively). The region’s rate has increased since 2000, while state and nation levels decreased.

Financial support helps sustain diverse art forms and stimulates local economies by creating jobs and attracting tourism. In 2023, the Mass Cultural Council of the Arts provided over $21 million in arts grants to organizations in the MetroWest region, or about $6 per resident, lower than the statewide rate of $26 per resident. The rate per resident in MetroWest has increased by $4 since 2014.

Participating in arts in school allows students to explore different perspectives, reflect on emotions and foster creativity and innovation. In 2024, there were 50 full-time arts teachers employed in MetroWest public schools per 10,000 students, similar to the state rate of 51. This is an increase in MetroWest from 42 arts teachers per 10,000 students in 2008.

In 2023, 84% of students in MetroWest took an arts course, higher than the state rate of 82%. Multiracial students in the MetroWest region had the largest percentage of students taking arts courses at 87% followed by Asian students (85%) and White students (84%). Black students (82%), Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students (both 82%) were the groups with the lowest percentages. Visual art courses were taken by the largest percentage of students at 76%, followed by music at 69%.