To the editor:

Funding for arts and culture should be a high priority for our city budget. Events that bring local and national artists together, such as the Free State Festival, lead to unique economic opportunities for growth in our community. A case in point is the upcoming Barry Crimmins comedy special to be filmed on June 4 by high-profile comedian/filmmaker Louis C.K. This event is a direct result of Barry’s visit to Lawrence last year as a guest of the festival with his film, “Call Me Lucky.” Had the festival not had support to bring him here to experience our city and engage with audience members both on and off stage, this special would certainly be filmed somewhere else.

Louis C.K.’s production company is hiring local filmmakers, renting film equipment from a Lawrence production company and booking hotel rooms. They are giving our local film community professional resume-building experience and providing a space for Lawrencians to be entertained and inspired by a world class political satirist and social activist. 

We often think of arts and culture as benefiting a community in an abstract way when using terms such as “quality of life,” but I want to make sure our city officials also recognize the very direct professional development benefits that are a clear result of municipal support. Thank you, city leaders and the entire Lawrence community, for your support of the Free State Festival and other art events and programs that make our city so great.