CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice addressed groups of artists from across the state today at the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History’s 4th annual Arts in Our Communities Conference at the Culture Center in Charleston.
The two-day event serves as an opportunity for training and information sharing for both arts organizations and individual artists throughout West Virginia.
“Today is a really proud day,” Gov. Justice said. “You’re the engines. You’re doing all kinds of goodness for our state beyond belief. You are to be congratulated, and thanked, and applauded.”
During his remarks, the Governor emphasized his commitment to arts programs in West Virginia and highlighted their economic impact.
“Every dollar we put into the arts turns into 23 back to us as a State,” Gov. Justice said. “In my opinion, we need to continue to increase funding, so we can continue telling our story of who we are.”
Gov. Justice also announced that, in recognition of the value of the arts and their positive influences on all West Virginians, he has signed a proclamation officially designating this Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, as West Virginia Arts Day.
“The arts enhance every aspect of life in West Virginia – growing our creative economy, enriching our civic life, enhancing tourism, and exerting a profound positive influence on the education of our children,” the proclamation reads.