DELAWARE STATE SENATE

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 114

RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF JUNE 6 AS DELAWARE ARTS AND CULTURE WEEK.

WHEREAS, the nonprofit and commercial arts and culture sector contributes $1 billion to Delaware’s economy, representing 1.5% of the state’s GDP; and 

WHEREAS, the nonprofit arts and culture sector alone contributes $149.9 million in total economic activity, generating $10.5 million in local and state government revenue; and

 WHEREAS, 90% of Americans believe that students should receive arts education from preschool through high school; and

WHEREAS, students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs, standardized test scores and graduation rates; and

WHEREAS, these benefits are reaped by students regardless of socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, nearly half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and staff; and

WHEREAS, the arts have played a strong role in promoting health, leading to better care, cost savings, and an improved quality of life; and

WHEREAS, in Delaware, commercial and nonprofit arts and culture organizations employ 9,124 people and generate $492.3 million in compensation; and 

WHEREAS, the nonprofit arts and culture sector alone represents 4,062 full-time jobs, making the arts one of the top 10 industries in the state; and

WHEREAS, arts and culture provide inspiration and joy to residents, beautify public spaces, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities; and

WHEREAS, arts and culture can help meet public safety goals by improving neighborhood livability and reducing violence and criminal activity; and

WHEREAS, arts participation correlates with lower rates of juvenile delinquency and truancy, and cultural resources are linked to better health, schooling, and security. 

WHEREAS, arts also help maintain racial and economic diversity and lower rates of racial harassment; and

WHEREAS, each of the art disciplines can carry forward a civilization's history, teach lessons, and celebrate our individual and collective heritage. 

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly recognizes and designates the week of June 6, as "Arts and Culture Week” to focus on the importance of quality early learning of Arts and Culture for education, development, funding, and for the research of Delaware’s Arts and Culture impact in communities, future workforce, and economy. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Arts and Culture week is a week to celebrate the contributions of the Arts and Culture to the State of Delaware.  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes the week of June 6 as Arts and Culture Week in Delaware.

Author: Senator Lockman