IV. Simpson for Congress 1992
3534 West Irving Park Road Chicago, Illinois 60618-3220
312/509-1992
Mary E. Baim, Campaign Co-chair
Arts
Support Improves District Economy and Life
Dick Simpson opposes the idea that the arts are elitist or only for the leisure class. In fact, more people attend arts events than professional sports events. In 1990, members of 41% of all city and suburban households attended a play or concert, and some 1 8 million people attended a cultural event of some kind.
In the new 5th Congressional District, hundreds of arts organizations call our neighborhoods home. There are community arts centers, studios, dance troupes, and world famous theaters. The Simpson Campaign has identified more than 400 arts organizations in the district which contribute an estimated $655 million annually to the local economy.
Government and the Arts
Former Alderman Dick Simpson strongly supports government funding for the arts to preserve our cultural heritage, insure that new visions are created, and offer the rewards of imagination to all citizens. The arts add to the local economy and to the overall vitality of the district.
In City Council, Dick Simpson sponsored and passed the “ 1 % for Art” program providing funds for sculpture and other art in public buildings. He also helped expand the Chicago Council on Fine Arts from small beginnings. He knows first hand the positive role government plays in supporting the arts.
The National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), our principle mechanism for arts funding, spends much less than 1 % of the federal budget and is worthy of increased federal support. NEA’s 1992 funding of $176 million is only about 70 cents per taxpayer - yet that funding stimulates billions in private giving. All government agencies should be as efficient. In 1991, the NEA gave grants worth $3.18 million to Chicago artists, plus an additional $772,000 distributed through the Illinois Arts Council. In Congress, Dick Simpson will support increased NEA funding without content restriction. Dick Simpson will work with long-time Illinois Congressman and NEA supporter Sidney Yates to provide strong Congressional leadership on arts-related issues.
New District Arts Advisory Council
As your Congressman, Dick Simpson will establish a 5th District Arts Advisory body made up of resident working artists, their supporters, and members of the business and funding communities. This body will advise him on arts-related issues and help coordinate interaction with local and state arts agencies and councils.
Vote for Dick Simpson for Congress Democratic Primary Election
on March 17, 1992
Paid for by Simpson for Congress Committee, 3534 W.
Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618-3220, Thomas J. Gradel,
President; Allen Hochfelder, Treasurer. A copy of our report
is, or will be, available from the Federal Election Commission,
999 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20463.