The volunteer work the Cultural District Committee strives towards was best described by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), "The arts help us better understand and interpret the world around us, improve our ability to think critically and act creatively, and of er the opportunity to communicate. And the arts provide a way of thinking and a way to be engaged because they are about vision and having that ability to see. In our schools, arts education improves student achievement, well-being, and school climate. And finally, perhaps most importantly, culture plays a central role in helping our citizens discover timeless truths about themselves and the world we share.
Government is about improving lives, so given how much the arts do in that regard, it is quite fitting for the state to play a part.... The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us — fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically.”
To read the full Cultural District report, please click here.