Economic Impact Of Arts

Sonora, CA — After points were made on both sides of the issue, the Tuolumne County Supervisors voted to give $45,000 to the Central Sierra Arts Council.

Members of the organization gave a presentation to the Supervisors this morning highlighting some of the group’s recent accomplishments. It includes a successful fundraising effort and plans to move into the Sonora Dome facility as part of an agreement with the Sonora Union High School District.

Speaking on behalf of the Arts Council, Mark Bergstrom cited a study by the Pew Research Council that argues that each dollar that is invested into the arts community multiplies eight-fold.

The Arts Council requested a $75K investment for each of the next five years. Board Chairman Dick Pland proposed giving a one-time $45K donation, and then reassess next year. District Three Supervisor Evan Royce argued against the allocation, citing that there are several public safety needs that could be addressed. District Four Supervisor John Gray countered by arguing that this is an “economic development” investment.

The final vote in favor of the $45K allocation was 4-1.

More information regarding the Central Sierra Arts Council can be found at http://www.centralsierraarts.org/.

Other one-time funding requests are being hashed out by the Board of Supervisors at today’s meeting. You can listen to the broadcast in the multimedia section of myMotherLode.com.