News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 11, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor's Arts Task Force travels to get public opinion

OLYMPIA - The Governor's Blue Ribbon Arts Task Force will visit Yakima, Spokane and Seattle this spring to get public comment on state support for the arts.

"We encourage people to be a part of setting that future direction," said Joe Taller, task force chairman. "We need to hear about each community's needs at these local forums."

The task force invites the public to address the question, "What is the most important action state government could take to support the arts in your community?"

The first public forum is set for March 20 in Yakima at the Capitol Theatre, 19 S. 3rd St. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a joint presentation by area organizations and an "open mike" session at 2:30 p.m. Speakers should limit comments to three minutes and provide one copy of the full remarks to the task force.

The public may also listen to task force discussions at a work session March 20 at the Capitol Theatre, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The task force is interested in hearing from citizens, those involved with businesses and education, individual artists, local arts organizations and others interested in the arts. Similar public forums are planned for Spokane on April 17 and Seattle on May 22.

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Arts Task Force was formed in December 1997 to study arts funding and support by the state of Washington. The task force has reviewed what currently exists for state programs and support. Through the public forums, the task force is exploring what communities need in the realm of arts support.

Comments also may be submitted by sending them to: Governor's Blue Ribbon Arts Task Force, Attn: M. Rafferty, P.O. Box 43123, Olympia, WA 98504-3123.

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