Information for candidate meetings and messages, letters to the editor, and/or op-eds
Talking points
2010 Legislative Agenda
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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 gives Wisconsin the competitive edge in economic development, downtown revitalization, educational advancement, tourism opportunities, and community engagement.
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Wisconsin must invest in and support coordinated policies and strategies using the arts and creativity to compete in the global economy and address the state’s urgent priorities:
- revive and stimulate the economy locally and statewide
- create locally-based, sustainable jobs
- educate our children for the 21st century workforce
- enliven our communities large and small and bring diverse communities together
- enhance and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive edge and international reputation.
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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 arts are not a frill, they are part of the solution.
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To make a positive future, we need energy, action, resourcefulness, and creativity. That’s where the arts come in. If there ever was a time that we needed the arts, it’s now. It’s increasingly obvious that creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship – all qualities inherent in the arts - are the qualities that will move our state and our nation out of the economic downturn and forward.
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21st century civic, economic and educational infrastructure includes a healthy arts and culture industry which animates community development on all levels. Wisconsin’s creative economy assets are significant and cover the state. Creativity is not limited to one sector, but is essential to all Wisconsin industries, sectors and communities.
- To make a Wisconsin’s creative infrastructure, decision-makers
and citizens should support:
- Investment in Wisconsin’s economic development and community revitalization through the state’s abundant and diverse artistic, cultural, historical and creative resources.
- Creation and retention of high-paying jobs based in the creative economy.
- A consistently high-quality educational system that uses creativity in the acquisition of local and global knowledge and understanding, and prepares students for the 21st century workforce.
- A strong artistic and cultural infrastructure statewide, for vibrant, livable communities everywhere.
- It is time to pro-actively plan and invest in creativity throughout Wisconsin, to support and strengthen the state’s abundant arts, culture, and creative people, organizations and communities for local, regional and statewide economic, educational, and civic vitality.
Additional talking points
2010 Legislative Agenda
- Support Wisconsin Arts Board's New Economy Funding Initiative
- Advance arts education
for all Wisconsin students