Panel discussion Thursday focuses on arts and the ecomomy

Prominent figures in St. Petersburg’s rapidly-expanding arts and culture infrastructure will participate in a Suncoast Tiger Bay Club-sponsored panel discussion Thursday at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Arts + Economic Development: A Conversation on Impact with St. Pete Experts includes Hank Hine, executive director of the Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance Executive Director John Collins, award-winning artist Carrie Jadus and cultural curator and strategist Liz Dimmitt.

At Thursday’s event, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., the guests will discuss the arts as a major economic driver of the city’s economy, and as a key component of Florida’s tourism-propelled engine.

According to a 2017 study by the Florida Department of State, Florida’s arts and cultural industry generated $4.68 billion of economic activity, including $2.29 billion by nonprofit arts and culture organizations. That activity supports 132,366 full-time jobs and generates $3.35 billion in resident household income.

The industry also delivered $492.3 million in local and state government revenue.

Tickets for Thursday’s discussion, which includes a buffet lunch, are $25 for Tiger Bay members, and $30 for non-members, available here. The RSVP deadline has been extended.