A Letter from our President
Hello, Everyone!
These are interesting times with the highest gas prices ever and the price of staples eating away any dispensable income. But I was always told, “If you have two dollars, one should go toward living and the other toward a reason to live.” For those of us associated with the Arts, we have already found one of those reasons.
In our society the Arts is often thought of as an expense (not bringing in any income), but intelligent studies have been done stating otherwise. Randy Cohen’s most recent report – Art & Economic Prosperity III – reveals that not only are jobs created in a community, but an average of $24 is spent locally per person for every event attended, whether it be for babysitting, parking, or dinner afterwards.
According to the recent survey listed on the Regional Arts & Cultural Council website (www.racc.org) 79% of voters in Washington County, “believe the arts and culture community fuels creativity and helps the local economy.” Cohen’s fact-finding report validates this community’s belief. It is therefore up to us to stimulate our economy by attending art events.
Also stated in the RACC survey is that 70% say they would attend events more often if they heard more about them, and 63% say they would attend more if they knew more about events close to home.
So this has become my new mantra. Keep the people informed. It will be our job to make sure you know about events in your artistic community. Please check our website regularly www.hillsborocommunityarts.com as well as our local Argus newspaper, and HACC’s website for programs and events scheduled.
The community can only benefit from our attendance, so I will see you there.
Victoria Shepard
President |
