Approximately 40% of the total operating costs for not-for-profit arts groups in the US comes from earned income (such as ticket sales), roughly 7% comes from a combination of support by local, state and federal governments and the remaining funds are raised through a combination of grants, endowment income, or donated contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

The Lone Star state might pride itself on being big, but when it comes to backing the arts, its per capita contributions are among the worst in the nation. The State of Texas contributes less than two-and-a-half cents for every person to Arts groups. By comparison other states significantly outspend, by as much as more than six dollars per person.

The Visual and Performing Arts bring a wide range of benefits into our communities. The Arts can revitalize communities, as well as encourage social communication, interaction, cooperation and tolerance across a diversely varied population. High arts engagement among students can boost academic performance, increase their chances for success after school, and make them more likely to be actively engaged with their communities through voting and volunteerism. The Arts are a major force driving the economy and the workforce into our future. Access to the Arts (via both creating, or attending) translates into health benefits for the community, with reduced rates in obesity, and other major benefits that impact quality of life for the older residents ranging from better mobility, lower rates of hypertension, and higher cognitive function. Studies even show correlations between the Arts and reduced crime rates.