The arts are a significant economic driver for Central New York, and the arts landscape developing on South Salina Street is a vital part of the financial growth of Downtown Syracuse. In June Redhouse Arts Center will unveil a new LED marquee, joining the historic Landmark Theatre marquee to provide Syracuse with two beacons of light demonstrating the broad impact performing arts and arts education have on our local economy and why the arts are a vital, vibrant, and viable area for economic investment.
The Landmark Theatre is a living connection to almost a century of Syracuse history, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and an architectural jewel in Central New York. As a destination for national touring concerts, comedy, family shows, and Broadway productions, the Landmark brings world class entertainment into the heart of downtown Syracuse and is an anchor of the South Salina Street Downtown Historic District.
In 2024, the Landmark welcomed over 163,000 ticketed guests, with another 20,000 attendees at free and private events and tours. Over half of these guests traveled here from outside Onondaga County, and 37% traveled from outside Central New York. These guests generated over $5 million in spending outside the theatre, filling up our neighboring restaurants, bars, stores, and more.
The Landmark also contributed directly to the economy, with $3.9 million in direct expenditures, including $2 million in payroll, contractors, and local professional services. This includes over $220,000 for security, over $250,000 for concessions, housekeeping, and box office staff, and $900,000 for stagehands. This payroll overwhelmingly stays local and circulates in our economy.
Lastly, presenting partners invest millions every year on local advertising, catering, per diems, and hotels. In total, over $11 million in local economic activity was generated in 2024 by the Landmark Theatre, its partners, and its guests.
And the Landmark does all of this while collaborating with local presenters and producers. In recent years, the Landmark Sponsored Events program has facilitated programming from the Syracuse Orchestra, the Community Folk Art Center, the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Make a Wish Central New York, and more. By making the Landmark more affordable and accessible for area nonprofits, Landmark diversifies its programming, attracts new audiences, and continues the tradition of local use at our community’s theatre.
Just next door to the Landmark is Redhouse Arts Center. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, Redhouse does more than bring attendees to year-round theatrical productions. Annually more than 50,000 come through its doors for mainstage productions, performing arts programming, and rental events – all driving economic impact.
For its mainstage productions, more than 80% of those hired to work on Redhouse productions are area residents, who are then joined by out-of-town professionals. It is through the development and career pathing of this local workforce that Redhouse intentionally connects its theatrical work to its robust educational programs. In addition to in-house programs, Redhouse provides arts education in SCSD schools and will be a leading participant with its STEAM High School. By providing training for those aged 6 to 18, the goal is to empower local students with opportunities to develop careers in the arts as designers, directors, technical crew, and performers. The development of these local professionals creates long-term economic impact, enhancing a professional local employment sector to support the increasing entertainment needs of CNY.
The Redhouse’s 43,000 square foot venue, opened in 2018, provides Syracuse with a state-of-the-art facility comprised of multiple theatres, rehearsal studios, scenic and costume shops, and a sound-recording studio, all of which are fully accessible for those with mobility challenges. The venue regularly hosts daytime corporate web-based presentations and evening and weekend community events. As a site designated for NYS Film tax incentives, Redhouse has become a destination for film and television production.
Nationally, Redhouse has gained attention as a welcoming venue for theatrical tours which utilize the facility to prepare productions which then travel the nation, many of which end up with production runs at the Landmark next door.
It is this remarkable combination of artistic productions, performing arts education, and space for corporate and community events, all in a fully accessible venue, that creates broad economic impact. And, once the marquee is formally lit, the combination of two illuminated marquees on S. Salina Street will provide a visible and exciting welcome to all visiting downtown Syracuse.
The leadership at the Landmark and Redhouse understand the synergy between the two organizations, and how the two artistic powerhouses are not in competition, but combine to be anchors in the greater artistic landscape forming in downtown Syracuse. We are thrilled to see new businesses starting up in our vicinity and using arts and entertainment to flourish. Music at the Fitz brings live music to the Speakeasy below Oh My Darling 2-3 times per week. The Song and Dance has been hosting 12-15 shows per month since summer 2023. And recently the Pink Rock Culture Co-Op has begun hosting curated concerts, film screenings, workshops and more. All of these are within one block of our shared intersection at Salina and Jefferson Streets.
The arts can beautify a community, they can illuminate the soul, and they facilitate diverse forms of expression. But they are also a framework for long term, sustainable, economic growth through tourism, audience-generated spending, workforce development, and education. They require investment from corporate, individual, foundation, and governmental supporters. The Landmark and the Redhouse are demonstrating that there are many niches to fill within this ecosystem and look forward to even more light and excitement as the arts landscape continues to expand.
This story is co-written by Mike Intaglietta, Executive Director, Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre, and Franklin Fry, Executive Director, Redhouse Arts Center.
