(Wyoming) – Most of us know that the least populated state features a lot of talent. Sometimes the amount of talented folks here is a bit of a surprise, and that’s been partly the reaction to a national study which ranked every state on the quality of their “art scene.”
Smile Hub tells us that art benefits communities in many ways, from mental health to academic achievement. The art community employees 5.2 million people nationally. The website ranked several metics including most artists per capita, most art charities per capita, funding for art projects, highest art-related earners and much more to determine the states where artists are thriving and the ones that need work.
Overall, Wyoming ranks ahead of most of the country, placing 19th out of the 50 states and D.C.
Wyoming finished in a four-way tie for first place however, in the category “Most Federal Arts Funding per Capita.” Wyoming ties with Vermont, North Dakota and South Dakota.
We are 13th overall in the “Access to Art” category and 20th in “Artists Economy and Personal Finances.” SmileHub’s findings for “Art Education” however, leave a lot to be desired for the Cowboy State, as we rank 47th. Best States Worst States 1. New York 41. Oklahoma 2. California 42. South Carolina 3. Washington 43. Nevada 4. Vermont 44. Kansas 5. Oregon 45. Idaho 6. Montana 46. Kentucky 7. Massachusetts 47. Arkansas 8. Colorado 48. West Virginia 9. New Mexico 49. Alabama 10. Utah 50. Mississippi
Key Stats
- New York has the most art charities per capita –14.8 times higher than in New Hampshire, which has the fewest.
- Nevada has the highest average salary for fine artists adjusted for the cost of living –2 times higher than in Hawaii, which has the lowest.
- California has the most artists per capita –15.1 times more than in Hawaii, which has the fewest artists.
Check out the full study here!