LOS ANGELES --

The Los Angeles region will see an uptick in employment for artists and designers, according to a 2009 report from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).  Data show that the “creative economy” is one of the largest business sectors in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, generating nearly 1 million in direct and indirect jobs and almost $140 billion in sales/receipts from the arts, design and entertainment industries combined. 

Over $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues are generated by art and design-oriented businesses found in the following industries: entertainment, toy, digital media, fashion, architecture, interior design, industrial design, and communication arts, as well as fine and performing arts.

These findings were shared last week as part of a presentation of the 2009 Otis Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region, hosted by Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, which annually commissions the report to put real numbers to the business of creativity and to spotlight an under-recognized driver of the regional economy. 

“Our current economic challenges mandate long-term solutions.  It is time for us to join forces in a creative offensive for economic recovery and a better future,” said Samuel Hoi, president of Otis College.  “At Otis, we look forward to partnering with leaders from across sectors to take practical steps in unleashing the creative potential of the Los Angeles region.”

The 2009 Otis Creative Economy report was presented by Dr. Nancy D. Sidhu, VP/chief economist of The Kyser Center for Economic Research at the LAEDC.  “Excluding the manufacturing segments, employment in the service-oriented creative industries of Los Angeles grew by 21,500 jobs, or 9.9 percent, between 2003 and 2008, and by an estimated two percent in Orange County,” stated Sidhu.  “And Los Angeles County is projected to grow by 4,000 more jobs, or 1.6 percent, by 2013.”

The digital media sector is expected to grow the fastest between 2008 and 2013, with employment of digital artists rising by more than 10 percent in both Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Projected declines in fashion, furniture and toy employment by 2013 are due largely to expected losses in the manufacturing sector; however, employment growth is still expected here in the “other specialized design services” category, which includes fashion designers.
Little if any employment growth is projected for the communication arts and entertainment sectors overall.  However, job counts will increase in certain segments of both sectors, including graphic design and post-production services.

At the end of the presentation, which included a panel discussion, Bryan Stockton, president of Mattel International, presented a $1.85 million gift from Mattel, Inc. to Otis College of Art and Design to support student scholarships, art and design curriculum and facility enhancement. “To be competitive in the world and in this age of ideas and innovation, we must embrace creativity in our schools as well as our workplaces,” said Hoi in accepting the check.

This year’s event was sponsored by the California Community Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, and toy maker Mattel.  “To us, the data in the 2009 Otis Report are more than the facts of creativity’s economic impact,” stated Hoi.  “They also tell the story of possibilities made real by a combination of education and talent.”

MySHOOT Profiles