Cultural Access Fund

Washington State has a rich and varied range of cultural experiences for us to share. Heritage sites teach us about our community, regional theaters expose us to divergent perspectives, and scientific organizations demonstrate the awe of nature. The ability of children, families and adults to have cultural experiences broadens our knowledge, enriches our lives and provides us intellectual new tools to overcome future challenges.

The non-profit cultural organizations that provide us with these experiences are as varied and diverse as we are --large institutions like science centers and zoos, experimental arts organizations, and museums and science centers. The locations are also varied -- from Goldendale to Seattle, and every town or city in between. Our cultural experiences have a great impact on our state's ability to compete, serve as a catalyst for our economy and strengthen our children's critical thinking skills to succeed.

• Students who are engaged in cultural activities are exponentially more likely to graduate from high school and score 120 points higher on their SATs. (Americans for the Arts, 2008)
• Children and adults who are involved in arts and cultural events are more likely to be tolerant of a racially diverse community. (Ben Cameron, Program Director, Doris Duke Charitiable Foundation.)

Participation and involvement in science and cultural organizations benefits our civic life, enriches our residents, improves education achievement and provides tremendous economic benefits to individuals, communities and the state.

• For every dollar spent on admission to a cultural experience an additional $5 to $7 dollars is spent in the local economy. (ArtsFund Study, Economic Benefits of Puget Sound Scientific and Cultural Organizations, 2007)
• $1.7 billion in annual statewide economic activity is generated by scientific and cultural organizations while creating 41,000 jobs and over $700 million in wages.

Zoos, aquariums and science centers build an appreciation for nature and teach us about the importance of clean water and air and increases our awareness of the need for conservation and ecological studies.

For these reasons, the Prosperity Partnership has made it a policy priority to increase access to cultural events, organizations and activities for all citizens in the state. They are developing a legislative proposal that would ask the state to give communities and local governments across the state the ability to create publicly funded Cultural Access Funds. These Access Funds would be used to expand access for students, families and individuals to attend, participate and experience cultural organizations -- from arts organizations to zoos and aquariums.

These access funds might be used to help fund cultural education programs for students and residents at MOHAI, or designate free days to attend regional zoos and aquarium or create discount tickets/services at museums and theatrical performances. They could help support emerging cultural programs in small towns such as Toppenish or with culturally underrepresented communities. And ten percent of the funds would be used to help local schools transport students to cultural activities, performances and experiences.

The bottom line would be to increase access and participation by children and adults, which helps educate our people to be better citizens and creative problem solvers. In the end we will have strengthen our state and community's ability to compete in the new, highly creative economic marketplace.