How supporting the Lehigh Valley’s arts & culture also supports the local economy
Leonard Parker Pool and his wife Dorothy Rider Pool were patrons of the arts. Dorothy was an accomplished pianist and also a painter. They shared a love for arts and culture, and appreciated the impact it had on society and the local economy. The Rider-Pool Foundation honors the Pools’ legacy and tradition by supporting the Lehigh Valley’s arts community, along with education, community development, and human services.
Today, the region’s nonprofit arts and culture is a $208 million industry, according to the latest Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study. The industry supports “7,114 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $21.4 million in local and state government revenue.” The study also concluded that “nonprofit arts and culture organizations spend $102.1 million each year and leverage $105.9 million in additional spending by their audiences” at local restaurants, parking garages, hotels, retail stores, and other businesses.
The Rider-Pool Foundation has provided more than $285,000 in direct support of arts in the past five years. By supporting the nonprofit arts and culture organizations of the Lehigh Valley, The Rider-Pool Foundation also strengthens the local economy. Whether it’s the fine arts, visual arts, or performing arts, these organizations contribute to the region’s vibrancy thru partnerships with other nonprofit organizations to provide education to area residents and students.
We’re proud to support programs and initiatives by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, SATORI, Ltd., Touchstone Theatre, Repertory Dance Theatre, The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University, Civic Theatre of Allentown, The Baum School of Art, the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Public Theatre, and many more. These groups help make the Lehigh Valley a more vibrant place to work and live, and improve the quality of life for all residents by making the arts available and accessible to everyone.
