OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new Washington State Department of Commerce report shows that creative output makes up about 20 percent of Washington’s economy.
Artistic work contributes nearly $120 million to the Evergreen State’s GDP annually according to the report, which was commissioned by the State Legislature in 2022. Nearly 10 percent of Washingtonians are in creative work.
Given that Microsoft, Nintendo, Amazon and Google all have offices with hundreds of employees in Washington, nearly 60% of creative economy employment in Washington fell under “creative technology” in 2022.
The report, which includes a breakdown of how creative careers contribute to the state’s annual GDP, argues that broader access to artistic jobs would strengthen Washington’s economy.
“We envision a more inclusive, just, and equitable creative economy in Washington. Inclusivity becomes the heartbeat of a robust, thriving creative sector,” the report said.
Increasing internet access is at the top of the department’s list for growing the creative economy. A new director of the Washington State Broadband Office was announced by the Department of Commerce in mid-February.
As the creative sector contends with developments in Artificial Technology and evolving consumer demand, the report captures the impact of artistic careers on the overall economic health of the state.
