Editor,
Winnemucca needs to make the Performing Arts Center a priority. Everyone understands that there are infrastructure projects that trump other projects, but when will the performing arts center become a priority? The PAC has been put on the back burner for 22 years. It's time to do it.
Here's why:
1. The WCVA wants a visitor's center on the perfect location for a performing arts center. They have had that location for years. Why now does it become the number 1 priority of the WCVA? Hmm! With the technology we have now and with their wonderful website, why build an entire structure devoted to a visitor's center? The plan on the table for the PAC includes a visitor's center. A Performing Arts center would draw visitors to the community, filling motels, rv parks restaurants, etc. A PAC would benefit the entire community, not just one sector.
2. The Humboldt County Commission wants to draw more businesses to the community. What are the 3 most important issues that a new business has concerns about? Number one would be the education system; number 2 would be medical access; and number 3 cultural opportunities.
3. The City Council also wants to promote projects that benefit the entire community. Funding is always a concern, but remember - a quality PAC could eventually become financially solvent and perhaps even be profitable. It would have the potential to make Winnemucca "go-to destination".
4. Scholarships for sports are probably most notable and most publicly acclaimed, but there are thousands upon thousands of scholarships for the arts and humanities out there. We need to make students aware of and be exposed to the fact that if they are talented in music, dance, art, etc. there are huge opportunities. A PAC would certainly facilitate developing those talents
Finally, I would like to say that I have been told by members of the community that I am fighting a losing battle because Winnemucca has a reputation as a so-called "Redneck Town". Well, even if that is so, it doesn't mean the citizens don't appreciate the arts. In fact, I have never been in a community where there are so many artists per capita, all kinds of artists. It is an amazingly talented community. Let's promote and entitle our artists and performers.
Edie Bumgartner
Winnemucca[[In-content Ad]]
