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Utah Legislature Meets Historic Milestone in Supporting the Utah Cultural Industry

Utah Legislature Meets Historic Milestone in Supporting the Utah Cultural Industry

Utah Cultural Alliance (UCA) is proud to announce that, for the first time in history, 100% of the Utah Legislature are members of the state’s cultural caucus. Under the leadership Senator Kirk Cullimore, Senator Luz Escamilla, Representative Jefferson Moss, and Representative Sandra Hollins, the caucus is tasked with “advancing efforts that enhance and uplift the cultural industry in Utah.” The full list of Utah cultural caucus membership is available on UCA’s website.

Starting with the first increase to the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ Arts and Museums Sustainability Grants in 40 years in 2019,  the Utah Legislature has made significant investments in Utah’s cultural industry over the past five years. According to UCA’s 2023 Cultural Industry Economic Impact Report, this investment has both directly and indirectly benefitted Utah’s economy. In 2021 alone, the cultural industry directly or indirectly supported roughly 7.5% of all Utah jobs, generated an estimated $347.9 million in direct tax revenue, and generated $4.8 billion in GDP, which was 2.1% of total statewide GDP. 

“The Utah Legislature’s cultural industry investment over the years is truly remarkable,” says Crystal Young, UCA Executive Director. “This work is only possible because of the tremendous leadership we have in the Legislature who realize the economic and social value Utah’s cultural industry brings to our state.”

Now, for the first time in history, 100% of the Utah Legislature are members of the state’s cultural caucus. As of May 2022, the United States Senate Cultural Caucus is comprised of 37% of Senate members while the United States Congressional Arts Caucus is comprised of approximately 31% of House members. Under the leadership of Senator Kirk Cullimore, Senator Luz Escamilla, Representative Jefferson Moss, and Representative Sandra Hollins, the caucus is tasked with “advancing efforts that enhance and uplift the cultural industry in Utah.”

“It is incredible to see the Utah State Legislature’s historic support of arts and culture,” says Pam Breaux, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. “The arts and creativity are catalysts for strengthening communities across Utah and across the country, and the engagement of the entire legislature in the cultural caucus demonstrates their commitment to advancing the important work of the state’s arts and cultural community.”

“Arts and culture bring immense value and improve upon every aspect of Utahn’s lives,” says Senator Cullimore, Senate Republican Cultural Caucus Co-Chair. “With 100% membership in the cultural caucus, the legislature is committed to exploring all possible aspects of responsibly investing in and upholding Utah’s arts and cultural industry.”

“Arts and cultural experiences allow Utahn’s to learn from and better understand those around us, particularly those with different backgrounds and ideologies than us,” says Sandra Hollins, House of Representatives Democrat Cultural Caucus Co-Chair.

The full list of Utah cultural caucus membership is available on UCA’s website.