To the Editor:

We have known for a long time that the arts and culture are important to south-central Minnesota and Martin County. They enhance our quality of life, bring diverse communities together and make our area a magnet for jobs and business.

A new study, “Creative Minnesota,” shows that in addition to contributing to our region’s excellent quality of life, the non-profit arts and culture sector is also a substantial industry in south-central Minnesota, generating more than $13.6 million in total economic impact annually.

Our nine-county region is served by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. The study showed that 89 non-profit arts and culture organizations support the equivalent of 348 full-time jobs in the region. More than 350,000 of us attend non-profit arts and culture events annually.

Minnesota passed the Clean Water, Land and Arts Legacy Amendment in 2008. In fiscal year 2014, Prairie Lakes awarded 217 grants totaling $401,847 in the region. For a list of regional grants: www.plrac.org

Martin County is benefitting greatly from these Legacy investments. In fiscal year 2014, Martin County organizations received $18,335 in arts grants. Those groups included Fairmont Opera House, Granada-Huntley-East Chain School, Red Rock Center for the Arts, South Central MN Interpretive Center and Heritage Trails. An Arts and Cultural Heritage Youth Scholarship of $300 was awarded to a student from Granada.

I appreciate the Legacy Amendment funding that has reached my county. It has brought a new joy of life to Fairmont where I live and the arts are enjoyed by all in our county.

To read the “Creative Minnesota” report go to www.creativemn.org

Bonnie Taplin, board member

Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council

Fairmont