Please join me in supporting the 2010 Dutchess Arts Fund, administrated by the Dutchess County Arts Council.  From my perspective as the CEO of Dutchess County Economic Development, it's obvious that the arts are great for us here in Dutchess. The arts diversify our workforce, create jobs, help to attract new businesses, and support existing ones. The arts bring in thousands of tourists each year and provide services to thousands of residents. Taken as a whole, the arts industry generates $40 million in economic activity every year for our county. 

But the arts are much more than economic development statistics, the arts are about people and community. The arts are a one-of-kind industry in their ability to bring diverse communities together in celebration, promoting civic engagement, and strengthening the very fabric of our society. 

The arts are also about our future, our kids.  Here in Dutchess County, the museums, the theaters, the art enrichment classes, and the artists of all disciplines are among our most valuable educational assets. The arts engage kids in learning, spark creativity, inspire innovation, and open up new perspectives - the skills that today's employers are looking for in all prospective employees. They also help our kids become better human beings and more connected citizens.

Given all this, it is a no-brainer to provide the arts with the resources they need to thrive here in Dutchess.  Certainly, these are challenging times and governments as well as corporations and small businesses are all working hard to stay within their means.  But that is the exact reason to support the arts, which have such a wide array of benefits that reach so many people and in so many ways. 

So this is a call to action to the entire private sector; commercial companies, small businesses, individuals, and foundations, to support the arts to the greatest extent possible.  And by supporting the arts through the Dutchess Arts Fund, you are maximizing the value of public investments. The Arts Fund is the best way to ensure that contributions of any size from any constituency will have the greatest impact on the arts.  Through the Arts Fund, you can be confident that your contributions are being allocated wisely and strategically, ensuring that the benefits of the arts are reaching everyone and serving all communities.

For more information about the 2010 Dutchess Arts Fund or to make a pledge of support visit call 845-454-3222.  

John MacEnroe
Chair, 2010 Arts Fund
CEO, D.C. Economic Development Corp.

The Arts Fund of the Dutchess County Arts Council is a community-wide partnership bringing together members from all business sectors, political affiliations, economic levels, walks of life, cultures, and generations to build the resources needed to encourage and fortify one of our region’s most valuable and dynamic resources -- the arts.

Since its inception in 1979, the Arts Fund has helped the Arts Council invest almost $10 million in cultural organizations and activities that continue to be a vital to communities in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Valley.