SENATE RESOLUTION 41

[By Senators Carmichael (Mr. President), Unger, Stollings, Maynard, Beach, Boso, Plymale, Cline, Drennan, and Prezioso]

[Introduced February 14, 2018]

Designating February 14, 2018, as Arts Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The arts in West Virginia are diverse in scope.  From art classes in schools to symphonic performances in theaters, large and small, the arts play an important role in education, community life, and personal development; and

Whereas, The importance of arts to West Virginians can be seen in small rural towns and metropolitan areas where artists and artisans are welcome as entrepreneurial businesses and arts activities range from fairs and festivals to theater presentations; and

Whereas, West Virginia, with its broad ethnic base, is home to traditional arts that range from music and dance to artisan crafts and fine art. The Mountain State art community is contemporary as well with local galleries, art studios, and other programs that encourage, promote, and showcase the exciting work of today’s artists; and

Whereas, A cornerstone of the state’s arts program is the grants program administered by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History Arts Section.  Supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia Legislature, the Division of Culture and History Arts Section awarded more than $2.165 million in grants in fiscal year 2017 that helped fund programming, activities, and support for arts organizations of all sizes.  The grants go to individual artists, arts organizations, schools, and communities; and

Whereas, Recognizing the importance of arts in education, STEAM Power WV focuses exclusively on arts in education.  Educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and in the arts are encouraged to develop projects that combine the arts with one or more of the STEM disciplines.  The projects provide students with opportunities for innovation, problem-solving, creativity, and contextual thinking – all aptitudes that are critical to 21st century college and career readiness; and

Whereas, The innovative statewide VH1 Save The Music Foundation program continues to place musical instruments in qualified public middle schools thanks to the matching partnership between VH1 Save The Music Foundation and generous West Virginia individuals and organizations that provided matching funds; and

Whereas, The arts in West Virginia contribute to the vitality of communities and encourage creativity in West Virginians of all ages; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 14, 2018, as Arts Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Culture and History.