Dear Friend:
The arts contribute close to a half-billion dollars annually to the Rhode Island economy.* Rhode Island state funding for the arts is a tiny, but important portion of what drives this huge economic engine. Every dollar spent on the arts provides $16 in increased revenue from in-state audiences and $38 from out-of-state audiences. Not only does a thriving cultural life generate income, jobs and tax revenue in your community, more importantly, it creates a State where your intangible needs are met - a State which becomes attractive, not just as a destination, but as a place we all call home.
Your support makes a positive difference in the individual and collective lives of our community. It helps develop vibrant neighborhoods, productive citizens and an exemplary quality of life.
In the 2007 legislative season, we were successful in passing legislation that created the Scratch Ticket for the Arts, bringing a one-time gift of funding to the RI State Council for the Arts (RISCA). This year, RI4arts looks to engage our constituents and potential partners towards creating a multi-year policy agenda. We also continue our Campaign for the Arts initiative, advocating for $400,000 in increased core grant funding to RISCA, in order to bring the arts to the next level of capability and production throughout Rhode Island.
We keep working to put a voice to the arts at the State House. We hope you will help us make that voice strong. As a valued member of RI4arts, you are directly supporting the arts throughout Rhode Island. Please don't delay. We need your support today!
Sincerely,
Yvonne Seggerman, President, RI Citizens for the Arts
