SENATE RESOLUTION

                             2000-8732

By Senators Wojahn, Deccio, Thibaudeau, Fraser, Spanel, Roach, Fairley, Prentice, and Rasmussen

     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 individual artists, including photographers, playwrights, actors, directors, writers, musicians, painters, carvers, sculptors, weavers, and craftspeople; and

     WHEREAS, The Arts stimulate creative thinking, and full brain development, assist with the teaching of other subjects, 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, and foster logical analysis, self-discipline, and cooperation; and

     WHEREAS, The Arts contribute to the economic development in 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 Institutions, drawing  audiences from across the nation and the world to the Northwest, and making cultural tourism a vital part of our

economy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and honor the Arts, Artists, Arts Educators, and Arts 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.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate 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 Institutions of this state.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8732,

adopted by the Senate February 23, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate