Over the past decade, Italian companies that have invested in art and culture have recorded extraordinary gains in performance. Between 2015 and 2022, their productivity rose by about 71%, compared with a 53% increase among similar firms that did not pursue cultural initiatives. Looking at the entire ten-year period up to 2024, the difference becomes even more striking: productivity surged by roughly 75% in these companies, while others grew by just 13%.

These cultural investments have also paid off for employees. Average gross wages in art- and culture-oriented companies have grown at 2.2 times the annual rate of other businesses. Over ten years, per capita compensation has climbed by around 25%, a clear signal that creative engagement benefits not only efficiency but also earnings.