The cultural industry is woven in to all facets of our lives as Utahns with the arts readily available in most households. I humbly ask that you fund the Utah Division of Arts and Museum’s ask of $6 million in ongoing funding to their Arts and Museums Sustainability Grants. Especially through this pandemic, the cultural industry, just like any business, requires investment to grow and this is the level of investment the industry needs. As I’m sure you know, we have all worked on getting this request to $10 million, however, this prioritization would get us further to the need of this industry. Thank you for your support of this industry.

The cultural industry is present in every part of our lives and fuels over $54 million in tourism spending throughout Utah. Especially with the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, I sincerely ask that you fund the Utah Division of Arts and Museum’s ask of $6 million in ongoing funding to the Arts and Museums Sustainability Grants program. Crystal Young-Otterstrom, Executive Director of Utah Cultural Alliance, states that “the arts will be necessary to quickly drive and revitalize the economy of Utah.” Though the need is still great, your appropriation of $6 million to UA&M is the necessary shot in the arm the cultural industry needs to not only survive but thrive.