Geneva's Smith Center for the Arts has made a significant mark in 2023 with a remarkable $1.3 million economic impact on the region. This impact was highlighted at the fourth annual State of the Smith event held at the Smith Opera House on November 21. State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, a Hobart graduate, served as the keynote speaker and commended the Smith for its role as an economic driver in downtown Geneva. He has been a strong advocate in the State Senate for the Alive Downtowns! funding that the organization received, along with other historic performing arts venues.

Economic Impact Breakdown

In 2023, the Smith's economic impact on the community includes 35 full-time-equivalent jobs, generating $861,486 in household income. Local government revenue reached $55,046, and state government revenue was $60,411. These figures come from its annual support, presented by Smith Director Susie Monagan and Board Chair Becky Burditt. Monagan noted in the annual report that maintaining nonprofit status requires demonstrating positive impacts on the community.The Smith used the Americans for the Arts' Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Calculator, a tool for estimating the economic impact of organizations like itself. As she explains in the report, "After plugging in attendance and spending figures, the tool enumerates the trickle-down impact of that organizational and patron spending on the local economy and, even, tax revenues. Live performance events are key attractors, providing an important focal point to the tourism landscape. Though tourists tend to spend more than double what local residents spend while visiting downtown, even Genevans meet friends at local restaurants before or after a show at The Smith."

Alive Downtowns! Inclusion

The Smith also takes pride in its inclusion in Alive Downtowns!, a group of 13 large historic theaters across Upstate New York. "Alive Downtowns! has been successful in lobbying Albany for the operating funds so critical to the care and maintenance of historic performance venues," the Smith stated in a news release. "Alive Downtowns! funds are an important addition to the support of the members, patrons, donors, and volunteers who undergird the Smith's success."

Funding and Revenue

In 2023, support and contributions represented 41% of the Smith's overall revenue. As the community enters the holiday season, the Smith encourages everyone to consider a donation, a membership, a gift card, or a gift of concert tickets. At the board's annual meeting, the following officers were elected: Kelby Russell and Becky Burditt (co-chairs), Shanelle France (vice chair), Paul Perrotto (treasurer), and Sarah Tuttle (secretary). Karen Goulet, Joan Grela, Stephanie Hesler, Nancy McDermott, Carol Cain, and Vinny Aliperti stepped down from the board.To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts at 82 Seneca St., visit thesmith.org or call the box office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Email boxoffice@thesmith.org or call 315-781-5483 with any questions.