Homework assigned

It seems state Sen. Bart Hester’s criticism of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s dance program featured on one of several billboards in the Little Rock/North Little Rock area is not the result of even minimal research nor well-reasoned thought. Many national and state-level studies recognize and applaud the creative arts for providing numerous benefits for communities, states, and the nation. Because Senator Hester’s concern for the economy and business community seems to be where his heart is, I’ll address only that issue.

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices is dedicated to assisting states through creative leadership initiatives. In its recent publication, “Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development,” Arkansas is commended for a conspicuous annual economic impact from the arts:

“Though the creative industries are broadly defined, they are important to state economies. First and foremost, they contribute directly to jobs, tax generation, and wealth. For example, the creative economy in Arkansas employs nearly 27,000 individuals and generates $927 million in personal income for Arkansas citizens. Creative enterprises are the third largest employer in Arkansas—after transport and logistics and perishable and processed foods.”

To extend these observations further, according to data from Dun & Bradstreet analyzed by Americans for the Arts, 2.98 million people in the U.S. work for 612,095 arts-centric businesses representing 2.2 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, of all U.S. employment and businesses. So how can Mr. Hester dismiss the significance of the arts at UALR with his comment? “Not OK. They [UALR] lease a sign to encourage computer science degrees or math teachers? No, they push for dance majors.”

To Senator Hester, I say do your homework. WIN BRUHL Little Rock