I am writing to ask Utah’s flagship daily to consider deepening your coverage of arts and culture in Salt Lake City and the state in general. Current coverage is anemic, at best, with almost no attention given to the visual arts and performing arts (specifically theater and dance.) All of these art forms have a deep and rich history that continues to contribute to Utah’s quality of life. I would further encourage you to employ qualified arts writers / reviewers to inform your readers (residents and visitors) of the depth and quality of the arts in Utah.
According to surveys conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, Utahns attend and participate in the arts regularly and at higher levels than many states. Americans for the Arts, based in Washington, D.C., has published research indicating Utah’s arts and culture sector comprises 3.5 % ($6.8 billion) of the state’s GDP and represents over 60,000 jobs. As a publication with “truth, empowerment, community” as a tagline, it seems an industry with so much participation and economic impact would have a significant presence in your coverage of Utah.
Jim Glenn, Salt Lake City
