The Kansas Arts Commission is vital to our state's identity, economy, culture, and potential for growth.
We the undersigned urge you to reinstate funding to the Kansas Arts Commission. The Kansas Arts commission is vital to our state and its potential for growth. Since 1966 the Kansas Arts Commission has been working to provide the Kansas residents with an opportunity to experience, celebrate and value the arts.
Appropriations to the Arts Commission would have constituted a dismal .005% of the State's budget, and would have qualified Kansas for matching funds from federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts. Prior to the abolishment of the Kansas Arts Commission, the arts supported over 4,000 local jobs, generated more the $15 million annually in government revenues, and raised $5.9 million in federal dollars over the past 10 years. For every public dollar invested in the Kansas arts, $9 are generated. It has been proven that communities who support the arts not only enhance their quality of life, but also invest in their economic well-being.
The Kansas Arts Commission has supported more than 200 organizations, schools, and agencies throughout the state every year, including Wichita State University. In 2009, 1,705,939 youth were engaged through the efforts of the Kansas Arts Commission. Additionally, in 2009 72% of the grantees resided in rural Kansas communities where access to the arts has been limited. It has been proven that the arts motivate students, enhance creative problem solving, and cultivate cultural understanding. Furthermore, the arts promote success for students of all age levels, abilities and language limitations.
Kansas is the only state in the nation without a viable Arts Commission. As a Kansas resident, I hope that you will reconsider your position and vote to reinstate funding for the Kansas Arts Commission during the upcoming legislative session.
