Good for the Soul, Good for the Economy 

Editor:

I think Californians, too often, take the art around us for granted (Art Beat, March 7). 

I'd like to extend a thank you to every person who has donated to a Humboldt arts organization, to every person leading those arts organizations, to every person creating art and to every patron of the arts. 

In various other states, the argument has to be made why the arts are a vital component to the economy, improve individuals' lives, unify communities, improve health care, and drive tourism and revenue to local businesses. Thankfully, they rarely have to be made in California, as we have a governor and representatives who are strong arts activists.

Starting this year, April will officially be Arts, Culture and Creativity Month in the state of California. To this end, I'd like to share some interesting new facts and data that has been reported by Americans for the Arts: 

"Attendees at nonprofit arts events spend $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking and babysitters — valuable commerce for local businesses."

"The arts heal the mental, physical and moral injuries of war for military service members and veterans, who rank the creative arts therapies in the top four (of 40) interventions and treatments."

"The production of all arts and cultural goods in the U.S. added $764 billion to the economy in 2015 ... a larger share of the nation's economy (4.2 percent) than transportation, tourism and agriculture ... which supports more than 4.6 million jobs." 

I hope these statistics articulate just how important the arts are on many different levels and how they effect all of us. Now go see that play, hear that symphony and study that painting. It's a great time to get involved in the arts!

Roman Sanchez, Blue Lake