On Tuesday, Feb. 15, hundreds of Washington residents will descend upon the state capitol for Arts Day 2005, to meet our legislative representatives and highlight the contributions the arts make in our state and region.
Arts, culture and historic preservation represent a key building block in the quality of life we cherish in Washington state.
Statewide, the arts and heritage activities are a boon to our economy as well as to our quality of life. According to a recently released economic impact study commissioned by ArtsFund, the activities of arts and heritage organizations and their patrons in King and Pierce counties alone generate more than $1 billion in economic impact in the state of Washington. The activities also bring $40 million in tax impacts at the state and local levels.
The study documents that arts generate a significant percentage of "new money" as well. For example, in just King and Pierce counties, the impact of visitor spending related to the arts is $243 million. This demonstrates the impact of what's called cultural tourism, which can become increasingly important not just to the arts but to hotels, restaurants, retail stores and related businesses.
Some people will argue the state, especially during cash- strapped times, should not invest in the arts, leaving the responsibility with the private sector, foundations and individuals. Clearly each of these groups plays a role. But the state can support the arts in crucial ways that the private sector cannot.
Washington state can encourage tax policies that promote individual or corporate support for the arts. Legislators can ensure that arts appreciation, and music, theater, or dance, are reintegrated into the school curriculum with appropriate academic standards.
They might consider, in flusher times, continued support of private-public partnerships around culture and the arts that benefit the entirety of the region with the knowledge that people come from outside the state and bring with them largesse that enhances our tax base.
Most importantly, as Washington residents, we need to let our representatives know that arts, culture and historical preservation are an important value to the people of our state. By marking your calendar for Arts Day 2005 on Feb. 15 and joining many other arts advocates and citizens inOlympia, you can show your dedication and voting power. This year's theme is "Engaging Creativity in Washington's Future."
For further details on itinerary, meeting place and time, contact Gretchen Johnston at Gretchen@ wsartsalliance.com, or check out the Washington State Arts Alliance Web site at www.wsartsalliance.com/enews.htm
Capitol Hill resident Jack Hilovsky is a graduate of the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington and consults on arts advocacy issues.
[[In-content Ad]]
