Sunday Telegram covers new study on the economic impact of Maine museums, such as UNE Art Gallery

The Maine Sunday Telegram  on Oct. 10, 2010 reported on a new economic study commissioned by the Maine Arts commission that concludes that Maine's museums are substantial economic enterprises and drivers that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who stay in hotels and B&Bs, spend money in local communities and travel widely across the state.

The study included participation by the University of New England's Art Gallery on the Portland Campus.

According to the survey "Maine Museums: An Economic Impact Study," 442,000 people visited 14 Maine museums in 2009 and spent nearly $71 million. Using current and accepted multiplier models, the survey estimates that direct spending of those visitors created a sales impact of nearly $148 million and generated more than $7.5 million in tax revenue for state and local governments.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.