III. JUDY ERWIN ARTS POLICY STATEMENT 1994
JUDY ERWIN SUPPORTS THE ARTISTS AND THE ARTS INDUSTRY IN THE 11th DISTRICT
There are over 240 arts organizations in the 11th District. Galleries, museums, theaters, dance companies and music groups have taken root and flourished in the district that includes the Loop, River North, the Near North side, and Lincoln Park.
These staggering resources represent almost one third of all the arts and culture groups in the city of Chicago.
The 11th district is home to such world famous cultural institutions as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Goodman Theater, The Lyric Opera, the new Steppenwolf Theater, the Terra Museum of American Art, and a wealth of galleries and studios.
In addition, well known groups in the district include Victory Gardens Theater, The Body Politic Theater, The Civic Theater, Ruth Page Auditorium, Hubbard Street Dancers, Kuumba Theatre, Chicago Opera Theater And Urban Gateways.
The Auditorium Theater, part of Roosevelt University, has continuously had sold-out nights for the past two years with the block buster hits "Les Miserables" and "The Phantom of the Opera." Next up: the smash hit "Miss Saigon."
In addition, jazz and blues clubs are located throughout the 11th district, adding Chicago's own distinct contribution to the arts scene. Chicago's art gallery scene has exploded over the past few years and covers several square blocks around Superior and Wells.
Chicago's Summertime music festivals brings millions of people annually to Grant Park and are broadcast nationally over WBEZ, recognized as one of America's finest public radio stations, and is also located in the district.
In addition to public performances and exhibitions, the arts groups in the 11th district serve hundreds of thousands of students and senior citizens every year. The arts are a integral part of early learning and teach our children about other cultures and viewpoints. Touring programs from groups based in the 11th district visit schools, senior citizen centers and community centers throughout the city.
The arts groups in the district cover all disciplines and represent the cultural pluralism which is so proudly representative of the residents of Chicago and of Illinois. Arts groups act as an informal cultural "United Nations" and heipsus all to learn about the views and ways of other people.
The arts contribute immeasurably to the soul of our city. The arts are also a major industry and need sound public policy to thrive and grow. The arts are, in effect, a major source of local tourism, and employ thousands of people, as well as provide a positive "trade balance" with the rest of the region.
-- The arts contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the state and local economy each year. Literally millions of people experience artistic and cultural events produced by groups in the 11th district.
*** Judy Erwin recognizes the importance of the arts to the 11th district and the invaluable contributions the arts makes to the overall quality of life for Chicago and Illinois.
** Judy Erwin will work to develop a bold and creative legislative agenda to strengthen and promote this vital and unique industry. Judy Erwin's legislative priorities include:
* Judy Erwin will work to increase public support for the arts. In 1992 Illinois ranked 21st of all the states in per capita support for the arts---about 77 cents per taxpayer. The Illinois Arts Council is the state agency which promotes the arts within the state. This agency should receive adequate funding to carry out its mission. In turbulent economic times we must marshal public resources wisely. Public funds spent to promote, market and encourage the arts are returned many times over in their economic and social impact. Support for the arts is a good investment for Illinois.
* The report "Americans and the Arts VI," released in March 1992, shows that an overwhelming majority, 60%, of Americans support public funding for the arts. In fact, 69% of Americans would be willing to pay $5 more in taxes each year to support the arts. The report was issued by the pollster Louis Harris.
* Judy Erwin will promote arts in education as is mandated by recent state curriculum reforms. Usually the arts are the first program to be cut in fiscal belt-tightening. However, it has been shown time and again that the arts stimulate learning, improve school morale, lead to better attendance and give students new avenues for achievement and success.
* Judy Erwin will fight any moves toward government censorship of the arts. She will fight to protect and preserve our precious First Amendment rights. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of the American democratic system and is the bedrock upon which our liberties rest. She rejects the divisiveness and appeals to fear by those politicians who are calling for a "religious and cultural war" aimed at artists, gays, feminists and the media.
* Judy Erwin will work to bring the arts industry into closer collaboration with those state programs which promote tourism, economic development and small business development. She recognizes that the arts can spur community development and will encourage innovative partnerships between the arts sector, community based development groups, private business and government agencies.
* Many artists and people who work in the arts and cultural field are not covered by health insurance or are under insured. Judy Erwin will pay special attention to the issue of health care for artists and arts organizations as the state deals with a variety of health care issues.
THE ARTS WORK FOR ILLINOIS.
JUDY ERWIN WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN AND PROMOTE THE ARTS.
SEND JUDY TO SPRINGFIELD TO GET THE JOB DONE!