On March 3, 2004, leaders in the arts, business, government and civic life from across the state will come together to show support for the arts. These advocates see the arts as beneficial to Wisconsin's communities aesthetically, educationally and financially. This celebration of the arts is Arts Day 2004, held at the Capitol Building in downtown Madison. But it's no stuffy affair: participants will network, share stories, talk with their legislators and take in live performances.

The arts' economic impact is, by now, well documented. Research released in 2002 by Americans for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board shows that Wisconsin's arts industry has a $289 million impact annually and supports nearly 9,500 full-time jobs. Additional research from the National Governors Association proves that arts-based education builds students' skills, increases academic success, raises standardized test scores and lowers the incidence of crime among general and at-risk populations. Increased investment in the arts has a positive impact on human, social and economic capital, boosting the health of Wisconsin communities.

The Legislative Arts Breakfast kicks off Arts Day 2004 from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor on the second floor. Arts Day participants will learn about and discuss the latest information on issues facing the arts. They'll also hear about new initiatives addressing the impact and importance of the "creative economy." Performances by Wisconsin artists, visual art exhibits and participatory art projects round out the day.

The event is sponsored by Arts Action Wisconsin, a program of the Wisconsin Assembly for Local Arts, an arts advocacy organization. The Assembly has partnered with many sponsoring and endorsing organizations to make Arts Day 2004 happen (visit the Assembly's Web site for a complete list of partners). PortalWisconsin.org is a sponsoring partner of Arts Day 2004.

For more information on Arts Day and arts advocacy issues, visit the Wisconsin Assembly for Local Arts Web site at www.wisconsinarts.org. You may contact Assembly staff by phone at 608-255-8316 or via e-mail at akatz@wisconsinarts.org.