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Proposed bill would help funding for the arts

The state House Tax Policy committee recently approved a bill that, if passed by the Michigan Legislature, will allow Washtenaw County residents the opportunity to vote in favor of taxing themselves to support the arts. This bill, similar to ones passed for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, is an excellent medium for residents to continue and expand their support of the arts. The Michigan legislature should approve this bill and allow Washtenaw County residents to lend their support through local funding.

Rep. Kirk Profit, D-Ypsilanti Township, proposed this bill, which would enable Washtenaw voters to tax themselves up to 1.5 mills. The bill seeks to create a 12-member council, comprised of one representative from each county commissioner district. The council would suggest a millage, and voters would accept or reject the millage in a special election.

The proposed legislation should strengthen the community's arts programs by allowing residents to increase funding toward cultural activities on a local level. Provisions in the bill should ease the concerns of wary voters in Washtenaw county about abuses of their tax money. The council that proposes the millage would also oversee the distribution of funding to permit only nonprofit cultural organizations, functioning for at least 18 months, to receive support. As Barry LaRue, president of the Washtenaw County Council for the Arts states, "It's only providing a legal mechanism or framework for taxing authority." Possible beneficiaries include science centers, museums and performing arts groups. The funding could also support the building of facilities necessary for the these arts to thrive.

Continuing to support and cultivate artistic development is important to the well-being of the county. Art is an essential component in forming a cultural identity, and it serves as a powerful reflection of the values and ideas of a group of people. Great works of art often come from unexpected sources, and funding those who wish to contribute their unique gifts to society is a noble undertaking. Funding has always been a difficult obstacle for artists, and even masters like Monet experienced shortages of money for more than supplies. Contributing money in the name of art is also an affirmation of one's individual rights, as the ability to create art is a direct result of the First Amendment. Continuing to exercise the right to artistic expression keeps these freedoms present in the American consciousness.

If this bill passes, the council must distribute funding in such a way that it does not restrict the content of proposed artistic works. Censorship often threatens artistic integrity, and restrictions on funding due to content should only arise if a proposal includes illegal activity. The council must recognize that those artists who push the envelope are the ones that society may later recognize as great innovators.

Washtenaw county's special flair and appreciation for the avant-garde help create its unique identity. With its centers of higher learning anchoring its recognition of the arts, Washtenaw county will continue to strongly support creative efforts. This bill will help Washtenaw extend its appreciation of culture and art even further.

05-11-98