Jeanne Bowen // Democrat // Utah County Commissioner (A+)

  • How have the arts, culture, and/or humanities impacted your life?
    • My parents instilled in me a love for the arts. Growing up I learned to play the viola and piano. My mother is an amazing artist and we would visit art exhibits every month. I graduated from BYU with a degree in English, secondary education. I enjoy going to the opera and the theater. I value arts culture and humanities very highly.
  • Utah's humanities and arts employ 123,000 Utahns, provide $4.4 billion in earnings, and $13.2 billion in sales. This is a larger economic impact than agriculture, mining, and real estate. Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?
    • Yes
  • Fiscally responsible government investment in the arts and humanities (including humanities and arts education) means to me:
    • I believe in investing in the arts because without it we wouldn't have as much. Too many people believe art should be free, but there is a lot of time and effort put into it. We need to support education both youth and adults. We are better as a society with culture.
  • Items of Legislation I support:
    • I support the RAP tax
    • I will ensure existing fund balances are preserved for recreation, cultural organizations, and parks
    • Percent for public art programs, which optionally designate 1% of government capital costs for public art
    • My county's redevelopment authority should have a public art ordinance
    • Friendly ordinances that encourage public and private mural creation
    • Increased investment in public art projects to encourage murals, sculptures, utility wraps, and more
  • Would you elaborate on your answers above?
    • I live in Provo and I voted yes for our RAP tax. I am in favor of it.
  • I believe percent for art ordinances should apply to:
    • Public buildings
    • Transportation
    • Utilities
    • Private Developments
    • All government capital projects
  • Anything else we should know about you?
    • I work in the Utah County Treasurer's office. I helped pick paintings from Springville Museum of Art to hang in our office. I see how much people enjoy looking and commenting on the paintings. It really adds to the office. Good art, music, etc. makes the world better.