Arts Services Initiative of WNY's Candidate Survey 2019

DEADLINE: Please submit your response no later than Monday, September 23, 2019 by 5PM.
Niagara County is widely viewed as being in the midst of a renaissance, while it is also noted that for many citizens and neighborhoods significant challenges remain. As both a key contributor to the former, and a key resource for the latter, arts and culture plays a significant role in the County’s health and future. Numerous studies and reports have shown:
  • The not for profit cultural sector and its audience in Western New York has an annual economic impact of $352.1 million dollars (Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report*);
  • This sector generates $40.3 million in local and state tax revenue (Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report*);
  • There are over 261 arts-related businesses located in total in Niagara County (2017 Creative Industries Report, Americans for the Arts);
  • With the reduction of in-school visual and performing arts classes, there is greater demand for arts and cultural engagement for youth out of school and in the community;
  • Arts education helps children develop higher level skills such as critical thinking and problem solving;
  • The arts have a positive impact on the development of local communities and social networks;
  • The arts contribute to innovation within a community;
  • Arts and culture is a key component of Visit Buffalo Niagara’s tourism efforts and a frequent lead mention in national and international stories about the community; and
  • Cultural amenities are utilized in the attraction and retention of new economy businesses and knowledge workers to the region.
Niagara County has served, and continues to serve, as a supporter of the arts and cultural sector in numerous ways. As is clearly shown above, this support benefits the people of Niagara County, those visiting the area, businesses located here, and government itself. Our Niagara County Legislature plays a key role in government and decision making, and therefore we ask candidates for the Legislative District seats their thoughts on these issues. 

*A complete and detailed Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report can be found at www.asiwny.org/arts-economic-prosperity-report

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* 1. Name

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* 2. Office Sought

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* 3. Current Occupation & Employer

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* 4. Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

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* 5. Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

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* 6. (This final question is for internal purposes only and will not be printed or reproduced with the above responses):

Have you received and reviewed the WNY Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report that was distributed by Arts Services Initiative of WNY in 2017?

*If ‘No’ or ‘Not Sure’ Arts Services Initiative of WNY will mail a hard copy to you at the address we have on file; it can also be accessed at www.asiwny.org/arts-economic-prosperity-report

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