Art Powers Wyoming
Wyoming’s creative sector is currently at a pivotal crossroads, emerging as a major economic powerhouse that rivals traditional industries like agriculture. According to the State of the Sector Report 2025, the creative economy contributed $1.3 billion to Wyoming’s GDP in 2022 (approx. 2.7%) and supports over 14,600 full-time jobs.
Surpassing Agriculture
For the first time, the creative sector’s contribution to the state's GDP (2.7%) has overtaken the Agriculture and Ranching industry (2.4%)
$100+ Million Annual Tax Revenue
This revenue is generated through sales taxes on creative goods, lodging taxes from arts-driven tourism, and payroll taxes from over 14,600 employees.
High-Velocity Growth
While traditional industries face volatility, the creative economy expanded by 8.9% between 2021 and 2022, making it one of Wyoming’s fastest-growing sectors.
Sustainable & Non-Extractive
The creative economy provides a stable fiscal cushion that funds essential public services like schools, roads, and emergency response.
A Roadmap for Growth
The WyAA Data Roundup is a roadmap for growth, that uses economic analysis and statewide community insights that established the creative sector as a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economic diversification.
Localized Infrastructure
Communities need dedicated Arts Hubs for mentorship, studio space, and shared business tools.
key findings
Indigenous Leadership
Success requires tribal communities to direct their own narratives with permanent seats in statewide planning.
Digital Adaptation
As media landscapes shift, organizations need streamlined digital tools and statewide calendars to reach audiences.
Strategic Opportunities
Workforce Innovation
Use the More Arts Program (MAP) to embed creative skills into school workforce programs.
Evidence-Based Policy
Launch a Strategic Task Force to turn economic data into legislative and policy support.
Localized Advocacy
Give local leaders toolkits and data to secure sustainable municipal funding.
Cultural Tourism
Partner with Wyoming Tourism to market local arts and culture as major travel drivers.
Resource Mentorship
Provide the structural models local leaders need to build and sustain creative spaces.
Our strategy for a resilient Wyoming
A Robust Employment Engine: Fuels nearly 12,000 technical roles in manufacturing and media beyond direct creative jobs.
Building Competitive Communities: Acts as a talent magnet that helps create the cultural landscape needed to attract and retain professionals across all industries.
Navigating New Challenges: Addressing the visibility gap and digital hurdles facing creative small businesses in a post-pandemic market.
Unified Strategic Action: Launching community arts hubs and tribal partnerships via the Strategic Task Force to ensure long-term sustainability.
Empowering Local Leaders: Providing advocacy toolkits to help local governments secure permanent funding for creative economies.
AAbundance by Joanne Brings Thunder, WindRiver, Shoshone