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Zuniga, Diana From: Mr John Spiak < Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 4:01 PM To: eComment Subject: Support Letter for the Arts Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. John D. Spiak May 14, 2025 City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Members of the City Council, I am reaching out to express my enthusiastic support for allocating $200,000 in the upcoming budget to strengthen local arts initiatives in Santa Ana. Having long been intertwined with the arts community here, I believe it is vital for us to champion the vibrant arts scene that defines our city. Government -funded arts initiatives, such as the ''Investing in the Arts'' grants, significantly enhance the quality of life for residents, youth, families, and seniors. Amid rising inflation and cuts to similar programs, these initiatives fortify our local creative economy and attract creatives to our community, unlocking new avenues for tax revenue. Artists who have benefited from city grants or arts event funding have forged innovative partnerships with local businesses, drawing new visitors to Santa Ana to experience the arts in novel ways. Every First Saturday of the month, the arts attract thousands of visitors to our downtown, who not only enjoy the visual art spaces but also frequent our local restaurants, businesses, bars, and parking garages. This surge brings fresh business and tax revenue, along with positive press generated through art spaces' email invitation campaigns and regional/national exhibition press reviews, solidifying Santa Ana's reputation for its flourishing arts community. Travel Santa Ana has spotlighted our arts scene, showcasing the distinctive and dynamic environment that sets Santa Ana apart from neighboring cities. Moreover, Santa Ana boasts numerous historic murals in need of restoration. These murals are a source of pride and elevate our standing as an arts destination, potentially generating additional revenue. As a city that prides itself on being a hub for the arts, Santa Ana should persistently expand programs and initiatives that celebrate and enhance access for residents, visitors, arts enthusiasts, youth, families, and the myriad small businesses that thrive alongside a vibrant arts community. In addition to the proposed $200,000, the council should also explore a potential 1% for the Arts policy connected with development projects, a common practice for supporting the arts in many cities nationwide. Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter and the voices of our community in support of the arts.