2007 Arts Legislative Agenda
Artistic and creative expression and participation are essential to the well-being of everyone, everywhere in Wisconsin. Public investment in the arts, culture, creativity and innovation strengthens the state’s competitive edge in economic development, downtown revitalization, educational advancement, tourism opportunities, and community engagement.
Wisconsin is seeking new directions to compete in the global economy, and will benefit greatly from coordinated policies and strategies using the arts and creativity to address the state’s priorities:
- incubate, attract and retain business and grow the economy
- stop the “brain drain” of young people leaving our communities, particularly our small towns and rural areas
- provide a quality education for all Wisconsin students
- enhance quality of life and keep communities, large and small, livable for all residents.
Investment in cultural and creative programs and opportunities is not separate from the overall priorities of the state—it’s vital to the overall health and well-being of the people of Wisconsin.
The 2007 Arts Legislative Agenda covers these critical issues:
- KEEP THE WISCONSIN ARTS BOARD HEALTHY, SUPPORTIVE, AND ACCESSIBLE,
AND ENCOURAGE SYSTEMIC STATE INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS
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Gov. Doyle and his administration have demonstrated great understanding of the importance of the arts to Wisconsin’s future. We call for a significant investment of at least $2 million to the Arts Board’s funding in the 2007-2009 state budget, to strengthen the state’s commitment to cultural economic development, community revitalization, civic engagement through the arts, and arts education while meeting the expanding artistic and cultural needs of the people of Wisconsin.
In addition to keeping the Wisconsin Arts Board strong and healthy, the Departments of Commerce, Tourism, Workforce Development, Public Instruction and other state agencies should fund and initiate programs that use the arts for short and long-term impact on economic development, education, tourism, and quality of life.
. - SUPPORT K-12 ARTS EDUCATION FOR WISCONSIN’S STUDENTS
Active participation and understanding of the arts are essential to young people’s success in school and in life. The same qualities that characterize successful arts education programs are also essential to making Wisconsin a leader in the global creative economy. Arts education rewards children by helping them to reach practical goals of academic achievement and career success. The arts are much more than just fun "extra" activities for kids. The profound impact of arts education on children and youth follows them throughout their lives, and participation in the arts opens up children's worlds and minds, and offers them the skills they need for a bright future. To provide opportunities for creative expression and engagement, and prepare Wisconsin’s children for the 21st century workforce, we call for systemic, integrated arts educational opportunities for all Wisconsin students.
- ENHANCE WISCONSIN’S FILM INDUSTRY
We call for the Film Wisconsin incentives to begin as soon as possible so that Wisconsin can start to reap the benefits of this exciting new economic development opportunity. Legislation developed since 2005 will create tax incentives to increase and expand film production in Wisconsin, building an exciting new industry for the state and opening up whole new opportunities in Wisconsin’s creative economy. We applaud Gov. Doyle and Lt. Gov. Lawton and the many legislative supporters of this initiative for their championship of the legislation. We call for the Film Wisconsin incentives to begin as soon as possible so that Wisconsin can start to reap the benefits of this exciting new economic development opportunity.
- ELIMINATE THE 5% SALES TAX ON TICKETS SOLD BY WISCONSIN’S
PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
Wisconsin is the only state in the Upper Midwest region, and one of only seven states in the country, requiring sales tax to be paid on tickets sold for live performances. This places an unfair burden on specific segments of the state’s creative industry, including non-profit, university, college, municipal and county arts organizations, with negative impact on the amount that can be charged for a ticket, the dollars available for reinvestment in an organization's charitable mission, and the logistical reporting of this information.