THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 30, 1996 TAG: 9604300003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Artists and art advocates formed the largest crowd and most-colorful audience at the Virginia Beach public hearing April 18. They came because they recognized that to improve the quality of life in Virginia Beach, we must deepen and strengthen our cultural foundation. No city reaches greatness without harnessing the imagination of all citizens and nurturing their talents and energies.
We compare ourselves constantly to other cities on the East Coast - cities that believe art is an essential ingredient in its vision - Charlotte, $14.10 per-capita arts funding; Fairfax County, $5.67; Durham, $4.57; Atlanta, $3.80; Savannah, $4.83. The Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission is conservative at best to be seeking $1.50 per-capita for arts programs and services in the city. We have the TGIF, Tourism Growth Investment Fund. A designated revenue source, a Cultural Growth Investment Fund, should be created here in Virginia Beach to invest in our citizens.
Those who came to the public hearing know that arts instruct, heal, challenge, entertain, stimulate and comfort. What are ``the arts''? What are the ``humanities''? The answer to each question is ``our culture'' - language, music, words, motion and the visual depiction of our people. This is art and it is basic. Our city will grow and thrive by stepping up to and embracing this vision. I am grateful that so many of our citizens, especially those at the public hearing, do embrace the vision.
DIANE BURNSIDE MURDOCK
Virginia Beach, April 19, 1996 MEMO: Ms. Murdock is a member of the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities
Commission.
by CNB