Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 15, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor's Arts Task Force seeks public opinion in Spokane

OLYMPIA - The Governor's Blue Ribbon Arts Task Force will visit Spokane April 17 to hear public comment on state support for the arts. The Spokane event is the second of a three city series.

"Art inspires and challenges us, and contributes to our lives and our sense of community. Our question is what can state government do to best support each community," said Joe Taller, task force chairman. The task force will provide recommendations to the Governor by July 1 about state support of the arts.

The public forum is set for April 17 in Spokane at the City Council Chambers, 808 West Spokane Boulevard. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a joint presentation by area organizations. An "open mike" session will begin at 2:15 p.m. and continue until 4:15 p.m. Speakers should limit comments to three minutes and provide one written copy of their full remarks to the task force.

The public may also listen to task force discussions at a work session April 17 at City Council Chambers, beginning at 9 a.m.

A similar public forum is planned in Seattle on May 22. The Yakima forum was held March 20.

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, Attention M. Rafferty, P.O. Box 43123, Olympia, WA 98504-3123.

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