Greater Phoenix's creative economy has become a significant driver of regional and statewide growth, generating $15.8 billion in economic output. This transformation results from strategic, long-term investments in arts and culture led by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and its partners. These investments have extended beyond aesthetics, fostering job creation, economic stimulation, and regional identity formation. With the region accounting for over 75% of Arizona's economy, these cultural initiatives serve local communities and align with broader economic goals. The creative sector's output in Greater Phoenix has grown by 11% year-over-year, supporting nearly 100,000 jobs statewide. GPEC President & CEO Chris Camacho emphasizes that these results reflect purposeful planning, not isolated successes. By integrating creativity into its economic development strategy, Greater Phoenix is setting a national standard for how cultural investment can spur innovation, attract workforce talent, and ensure sustainable growth. (axios.com)

In March 2025, GPEC launched the "Most Decorated Region" initiative in partnership with Street Art Cities, aiming to showcase Greater Phoenix's public art on an international scale. This initiative seeks to elevate local creativity and encourage innovation among residents and businesses alike. By increasing engagement from communities and artists, the program aims to create future opportunities for partnerships between the public and private sectors and artists, including open calls for work and wall listings for muralists. (gpec.org)

The film industry has also contributed significantly to the region's economy. In 2024, film production in the Greater Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in economic output, a substantial increase from the $18.1 million recorded in 2023. The region hosted 777 projects, including feature films, television shows, commercials, and documentaries, resulting in over 1,100 shoot days and the employment of more than 3,000 local crew members and 1,800 actors. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the importance of this industry, stating, "Phoenix is proud to rise as a hub for film production, and this year’s impressive $29.1 million economic impact demonstrates how important the industry is to our local economy." (ktar.com)

Despite these successes, challenges remain in funding the arts. In fiscal year 2023, Arizona allocated a record $5 million to the arts, equating to $0.68 per capita, which is more than 76% below the national median per capita investment of $2.88. This underfunding highlights the need for increased investment to fully realize the potential of the creative economy. (gpec.org)

The recent growth in Greater Phoenix's creative economy builds upon previous efforts to integrate arts and culture into economic development. However, the current scale and impact are unprecedented, setting new records for the region. Comparatively, other regions that have invested in the arts, such as Brooklyn and Silicon Valley, have seen substantial economic and social returns, indicating that Greater Phoenix's strategy aligns with successful national trends. (gpec.org)

By integrating creativity into its economic development strategy, Greater Phoenix is setting a national standard for how cultural investment can spur innovation, attract workforce talent, and ensure sustainable growth. The region's deliberate focus on arts and culture has not only enhanced its cultural vibrancy but also stimulated job creation and economic growth, positioning Greater Phoenix as a leader in leveraging the creative economy for regional development.