Candidates running for office in Washtenaw County show a good understanding of the important role that arts and culture play in setting a sense of place and improving the local economy.
That's according to Arts Alliance Director Deb Polich, whose organization hosted a candidates forum Wednesday morning.
"I think the challenge that comes up often is that they don't know the opportunities that exist in other cities and other states that actually make it possible to invest dollars and make public policy that can change the current circumstances," Police says.
Polich says the Arts Alliance's annual candidate survey indicates that candidates are paying attention to issues affecting arts and culture, which is encouraging.
Find the candidates' responses to the Arts Alliance survey online:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/baul2taf3duyfer/2014%20Candidate%20Survey%20Responses%20-%208.5.14.pdf
And for more on the Arts Alliance itself: