HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4702, by Representatives Skinner, Kessler, Hankins, Conway and Lantz

      WHEREAS, The arts greatly enhance the lives of the people of the state of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, The literary, performing, and visual arts are vibrant threads weaving through the beautiful tapestry of life in the state of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, The arts stimulate creative thinking, inspire creativity, provoke innovation, encourage self-expression, knit our communities and our state together with a common understanding of our shared humanity, foster communication and understanding across diverse cultures, and transmit core national and local values to future generations; and

      WHEREAS, The arts enable lifelong learning, are essential to a basic education, assist with the teaching of other subjects, and foster logical analysis, self-discipline, cooperation, and teamwork; and

      WHEREAS, The arts contribute to full brain development, accelerate students' mastery of history, math, and science, enhance problem-solving skills, and increase the self-esteem of at-risk youth; and

      WHEREAS, The arts contribute to the ongoing economic development of our state's communities by generating millions of dollars in revenue each year through performances, projects, exhibitions, festivals, art walks, craft fairs, and concerts; and

      WHEREAS, The arts of Washington state have received international acclaim for the outstanding quality of our artists, arts educators, and arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions, drawing audiences from across the nation and the world to the northwest, and making cultural tourism a vital part of our economy; and

      WHEREAS, The arts industry informs and educates the public and its leadership about cultural opportunities, and encourages artistic and economic growth; and

      WHEREAS, The arts industry provides assistance in long-range community and educational planning in an effort to secure a place for the arts as a vital component of Washington state's environment; and

      WHEREAS, The arts industry provides exciting forums for discussion and collaboration between the cultural community at large to implement ways and means to meet identified cultural goals of the area, and supports efforts to meet those needs; and

      WHEREAS, The arts industry has played a crucial and substantial role in helping bring about healing for numerous individuals and their families suffering in pain from the tragic events of September 11, 2001;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the arts, artists, arts educators, and arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions of this state, and encourage all the citizens of Washington state to join the conversation in planning on the arts as we address the issues and opportunities for arts and culture for our state and our communities; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Arts Commission and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction on behalf of all the artists, arts educators, and arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions of this state.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         4702 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                            February 11, 2002.

                      _____________________________

                       Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk