| R 124 |
| 2016 -- S 2778 Enacted 03/22/2016 |
| S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING ARTS ADVOCACY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
| Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Lombardi, and Satchell |
| Date Introduced: March 22, 2016 |
| WHEREAS, Former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy wisely stated, "Above all, we are |
| coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative |
| impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived |
| of spontaneity, then society severs the root of art"; and |
| WHEREAS, Recognizing the important relationship between the arts and our quality of |
| life, and the arts and a thriving state economy, is an essential element in humanity's vast effort to |
| develop and expand this world for future generations; and |
| WHEREAS, Comprised of performing, visual, and environmental areas, a thriving arts |
| culture generates additional income, jobs, and tax revenue for our communities; and |
| WHEREAS, The National Conference of State Legislators and the National Governors |
| Association has found that the arts significantly contribute to the creation of more flexible and |
| adaptable workers, who are essential for businesses to compete in today's economy; and |
| WHEREAS, In addition, studies have shown that students who participate in the arts, |
| whether in school or after school, demonstrate improved academic performance and realize lower |
| dropout rates; and |
| WHEREAS, Not only does a thriving arts and cultural life improve educational |
| outcomes, and generate income, jobs, and tax revenue for our communities, more importantly, it |
| helps to build a state that is attractive not only a destination, but as a place to call home; now, |
| therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations |
| hereby supports and promotes arts advocacy in our state; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts. |
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| LC005503 |
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