Letter: Let's Spark the Economy With Art

To the editor,

For over a decade I’ve owned Five Main, an art gallery in Wickford, and in recent years I’ve witnessed many local businesses downsize and close. Wickford is known as an art community and I fear that it's art galleries will be the next to go. This has inspired my thinking of ways to prevent further decline and spark new commerce.

Last spring I supported Senator James Sheehan's bill (2012-S2448) to designate Wickford as a tax-exempt art district. This would have allowed Wickford's artists and galleries the same benefits provided to nine other Rhode Island communities. Although this bill was passed unanimously by the Senate, the House bill was never put on the agenda nor heard.

Rhode Island is a leader in the arts and in 1998 we were the first state to establish art districts. Their incentives have been successful in rebuilding our economy but I think our current system can be improved upon. When some art communities are granted tax-exempt status and others are not, especially in a small state like ours, it pits the communities against one another. This puts Wickford and other non tax-exempt art communities at a severe disadvantage. 

I propose that we expand our art district program with enabling legislation that would allow every town in the state the option of art districts, and shape history by making Rhode Island the first and only state in the country to declare a statewide sales tax exemption on art. Just as tax-exempt communities have an advantage over non tax-exempt communities, our entire state would have an advantage over other states. 

District 36 Senator James Sheehan has agreed to sponsor legislation along this idea if he is re-elected, and we're now collaborating to develop ArtSpark 2013, a plan to spark Rhode Island's economy with tax-free art. To follow this initiative visit: www.facebook.com/riLovesArt

It’s tough times in Rhode Island and it’s crucial that people are thinking of ways to improve our situation.  I encourage everyone to do some brainstorming of your own, and if you think you have a good idea, contact your local Senators and Representatives.

Sincerely,

Ellen Waxman