By Don Heinzman

The importance of the arts in communities is being underscored by the art centers being planned and built and the debate over dedicating a portion of the sales tax to the arts.

Business and political leaders are more supportive of the arts as an economic as well as a creative force.

A research report "The Arts: A Driving Force in Minnesotaís Economy," revealed that the annual economic impact of non-profit arts groups is over $838.5 million. The 1500 non-profit arts organizations serve more than 14.5 million people per year.

The report also notes that over 22,000 Minnesota jobs depend upon the arts.

Legislators are responding by moving toward a public vote by increasing the sales tax and dedicating 3/8 of 1 percent to hunting, fishing, conservation, parks, environment, arts and culture. The Minnesota Legislature is expected to take up this bill again next session. It was hotly debated this past session.

Polls indicate the public also favors more state funding for the arts. If the amendment were to pass, the increase in the sales tax would be 25 cents for each $100 in sales.

The arts receive $8.5 million, after the state cut them back from $12 million in the budget-cutting years. If the amendment were to pass, the arts would get $18 million.

In local communities, the leadership usually puts sports and recreation facilities ahead of arts, primarily because athletics at all levels have strong advocates for better gyms, pools, ball fields and trails. As communities mature, civic leaders warm up to the need to respond to need for arts facilities, particularly as public schools cut back on arts education at the elementary level to save money.

Local city governments are the key to getting art centers built as was the case in Lakeville, Bloomington and Hopkins.

Burnsville is about to break ground on a new $20 million Performing Arts Center, which will be part of the major "Heart of the City" redevelopment. This center will have 1,000-seat theatre, a small gallery, and general purpose rooms. Symphony and theatre groups in Dakota County are the driving force for this center.

The Burnsville City Council sees its arts center as promoting future economic development, because it will create an atmosphere to attract businesses to the Heart of the City. In the competition to attract businesses, the council believes business leaders locate where there is a quality community for its employees.

In Hopkins, a community art center is the heart of a successful downtown redevelopment, where the city, school district and private business are partners.

The arts and a successful theatre have positioned tiny Lanesboro as a favorite tourist stop.

Bloomingtonís city government was successful in passing a bond issue for an art center, which is part of a redeveloped city hall complex.

It has a 366-seat theatre, two art galleries, community rooms and pottery studios used by people of all ages, particularly high school students.

All these art facilities are viewed as giving balance to interests in a diverse community and creating an atmosphere to attract new businesses.

Leadership, particularly in influential businesses, needs to step up and get out front and spread the word that arts emphasis is good for a community and for business. City councils would be wise to devote some "work sessions" to an often overlooked but resourceful constituency ñthe creative people, which includes us all.