[Winona Online Democracy]
Steve:
You are absolutely correct in your response. The potential benefit to the
community and the region will be very positive when the Old Middle School
Auditorium is converted into an arts area. The use goes beyond simply
holding a season of theater in it. It can be used as an educational venue
for all ages and will provide a space for professional artists to share and
collaborate.
I would like to support your comments by sharing a quote with you from a
study done for the State of Wisconsin: "Arts in the Wisconsin Economy: An
Economic Impact Study" -
"For those who feel a choice must be made between economic development and
the arts, this report has a critical message: When we invest in the arts,
we are not opting for cultural benefits at the expense of economic
benefits, Careful research shows that, in addition to being a vital means
of social enrichment, the arts are also an economically sound investment.
Quite simply, the arts are an industry that generates jobs.
This economic dimension of the arts is sometimes overlooked, perhaps
because the arts are mistakenly perceived solely as a charitable cause or
the province of just a few major cultural institutions and their patrons.
Yet that perception seriously underestimates their value and potential.
The arts have a positive impact on a community's quality of life, but also
on the entire social and business fabric."
For those who do not understand what the ArtsForce Network is doing, it
is bringing people together, through the arts, to accomplish positive
things for the community. That means providing more venues for the arts in
our region. It also means looking at art with all of the value add that it
brings to a community - culture, education, entertainment, creative
outlets, and economic development.
Thank you for your support.
Will Kitchen
Education Program Manager
IBM Learning Services
Home office:
W774 State Road 95
Fountain City, Wisconsin 54629
phones: Tie Line 478-9962
608.687.7018 office
608-687-3603 home
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Where there is a Will, there are many Ways."
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