State arts funding is in jeopardy due to budget crunch

To the editor:

History tells us that in times of national distress people turn to the arts for an emotional outlet. The arts can be a powerful tool for a city when recruiting businesses. When relocating, people are interested in the cultural activities a city can offer their children. The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri provides a venue for local and national artists and sponsors the Children's Arts Festival, concerts, programs for seniors and the disabled and summer arts classes.

In these times of state and national crisis, it is more important than ever that we support the arts. Our governor has recommended zero funding for the Missouri Arts Council for fiscal year 2004. MAC supports hundreds of large and small arts organizations through the state and already has lost more than a third of its state allocation due to budget cuts. The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri has lost more than $15,000, or 60 percent, of its funding.

Studies have proven that for every publicly funded dollar spent on the arts, more than $8 is generated in local revenue. Please continue to urge our legislators and governor to keep arts funding as a line item in our state's budget and allow the arts to be part of the solution to our financial problem, not a contributor to it.

REBECCA FULGHAM

Executive Director

Arts Council of Southeast Missouri

Cape Girardeau