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Health & Fitness

Arts on the Plateau

An introduction to this blog, what it's about and an invitation to join the discussion.

Introduction: What is this Blog about?

   It has always been my belief that “the power of the pen is mightier than the sword.” As a career journalist over 30 years I have been presented over and again with the opportunity and responsibility to empower ordinary people and inspire them to action. It is my intention in this blog to enhance the synergy of the creative energy of the Plateau so those of us working in the arts and those of us that appreciate and enjoy the arts can all participate in the development of a vibrant community.  If we, as arts lovers and arts supporters, are in sync we can all share in the positive growth and economic development of Enumclaw, and other surrounding communities.

The issues of Arts and Economic Development

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   The issue of economic development is relevant in discussing the arts. According to a dynamic arts organization, Americans for the ARTS,  the arts are fundamental to humanity and have the power to transform lives. Its basic tenants are:

  • Arts education develops well-rounded children and citizens. 
  • Artistic expression connects people from around the globe. 
  • The arts, broadly defined, are essential to a thriving community, creating a sense of place and fueling social and economic growth. 
  • In order to thrive, the arts in America —and broad access to them—need an investment of a mix of public, private and consumer resources.

On the Americans for the Arts website you may find this interesting study:  

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  "Every day, more than 100,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations act as economic drivers—creating an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of our tourism industry. This study documents the key role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry, and their audiences, in strengthening our nation’s economy." View video here . 

Join the Discussion

   This blog intends to cover all the arts, visual, performing and literary. My intent is to inform residents and visitors to the Plateau about the movements of local artists and local arts groups in the pursuit of the arts and news of their awards, honors, accomplishments as well as promoting discussion of the issues that artist and artist groups struggle with to survive and grow. In this spirit I offer all of you, readers and artists alike, to contact me via email if there are any issues, ideas, suggestions you might wish to offer for inclusion in the Arts on the Plateau blog. Your comments are welcome.

 (Susan Etchey is a freelance writer who resides in Enumclaw and she can be contacted at azaroa40@yahoo.com)

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