HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4763, by Representatives Skinner, Kenney, Kessler, Carlson, Thomas, McDonald, Ogden, Lantz, D. Schmidt, Wensman and Conway

       WHEREAS, The Arts enhance the lives of the people of the State of Washington; and

       WHEREAS, The Arts have long been a part of community development with thousands of Artists commissioned through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930's; and

       WHEREAS, Washington continues to benefit from the contributions of the state's many Arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions, and individual Artists, including photographers, playwrights, actors, directors, writers, musicians, painters, carvers, sculptors, weavers, and other craftspeople; and

       WHEREAS, The Arts stimulate creative thinking, contribute to full brain development, encourage self-expression, promote common understanding, and transmit cultural 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 the 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 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 world renowned Art showing, Three Generations of Mexican Masters, presented by the Consul of Mexico, can be viewed February 21st through February 28th of this year at the Office of the Secretary of State, located in the Capitol Building in Olympia, Washington;

       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 Co-Chief Clerks 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

       Resolution 4763 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         February 21, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk