HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4704, by Representatives Sehlin, Honeyford, Quall, Morris, Hankins and Anderson

     WHEREAS, Excellence in the arts plays a vital role in educating, inspiring, and enriching the lives of all the citizens of the state of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Excellence in the arts is a valuable economic and cultural asset, in that it stimulates business development and attracts tourism while inspiring civic pride and positively influencing the quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, Excellence in the arts enables students to acquire and develop reading, writing, and problem-solving skills, in addition to increasing creativity, levels of achievement, and knowledge of others; and

     WHEREAS, Excellence in the arts not only provides citizens of this state a meaningful opportunity to interact with different cultures and learn new ways of understanding and giving worthwhile expression to their experiences, but also helps transmit the best of our shared cultural legacy to the next generation; and

     WHEREAS, Many good artists and arts institutions of our state have received international recognition and generated millions of dollars, making the Northwest a world-renowned focal point of artistic creation, performance, and exhibition;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and honor artists and arts institutions for their continued importance and vital contribution to the state's economy and cultural livelihood, and urge the citizens of Washington State to celebrate Arts Day, this 25th day of February, 1998.

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