To the editor:

Dear fellow citizens of Aquidneck Island, I write this letter to urge you to help us invest in our island’s vibrant art, culture life, and economic growth by voting “yes” on Question No. 5 on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Approval of Question No. 5 will authorize the state to issue bonds of $10 million to continue the Cultural Arts & Economy Grant Programs that are administered by the R.I. State Council on the Arts (RISCA). It will not only support matching grants for capital improvement projects for Newport Contemporary Ballet (formerly Island Moving Company), Tomaquag Museum, and Trinity Repertory Company, but also will provide additional funding to continue the statewide Cultural Arts & Economy Grant Program that has supported more than 60 arts and cultural organizations across Rhode Island through 1:1 grants.

As you know the arts, of all genres, are an economic engine for our community. We are now at a crisis juncture for lack of adequate, state-of-the- art performance spaces on this island. Voting “yes” on No. 5 will provide the funds to complete the Newport Contemporary Ballet’s Center for Arts, Dance, & Education on Broadway in Newport. The center will have a large flexible performance space available for use by all in the community.

Join me in investing in our artistic and economic future by voting “yes” on No. 5

Susan Woythaler

Chair, Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County

Middletown