WHEREAS, The Arts 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 tapestry of life in the State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Arts stimulate creative thinking, inspire creativity and innovation, encourage self-expression, knit our communities and our state together with a common understanding of our humanity, foster communication and understanding across 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 teaching 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 youth at risk; 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 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 forums for discussion and collaboration between the cultural communities at large to implement ways to meet the identified cultural goals of the area, and supports efforts to meet those needs;
     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.