I believe the arts are an anchor to the economic community. Eau Claire is blossoming into an arts community, into a place where the arts not only add to the region's quality of life but help bolster the area's economy. We need to make sure that the arts remain a vital and growing part of Eau Claire's fabric because the environment of a community is what attracts business and people to an area. Proper funding for the arts shows respect for the work artists do. We also must strive to ensure that opportunities to enjoy the arts are available to people of all income levels.