To the editor:

The success of events such as Final Fridays, Lawrence Buskerfest and the Free State Festival are proof that arts and culture activities pull people into our community and generate sales tax revenue. The redevelopment of industrial buildings in East Lawrence is a prime example of how arts and culture spur outside investment in the community, increasing real estate values of the whole neighborhood and generating additional revenue for the city through property taxes.

The director of arts and culture is building on these efforts and will create new ones that will continue to impact the economy of our community. Eliminating the position of the director of arts and culture from the city budget seems short sighted and would negatively impact the momentum that is bringing added revenue to our community.

This position is not a luxury but a key ingredient in the mix of economic development strategies needed to have a thriving community.

Countless studies have shown the impact of arts and culture in terms of economic development, quality of life and education. Forward thinking cities across the country have recognized the power of the arts as an income generator and have created whole departments of arts and culture to capitalize on the opportunities presented by thriving arts communities, organizations and individual artists.

Previous city commissioners, city staff and community volunteers have recognized the value of a staff position to coordinate and expand the economic development opportunities provided by a thriving arts community. We must stay the course set by these visionaries and continue to reap the rewards of their efforts.