Jen Dailey-Provost // Democrat // Utah House of Representatives District 24 (A+)

1. Should government invest in funding the arts and humanities at fiscally responsible levels?

Answer: Yes

2. Do you support investing money into K-12 arts and humanities education at fiscally responsible levels?

Answer: Yes

3. Do you believe that arts and humanities education should be required in the k-12 curriculum?

Answer: Yes

4. Do you consider the arts and culture sector to be an economic driver in Utah?

Answer: Yes

5. Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art?

Answer: Yes

6. Do you support preserving the Utah Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

Answer: Yes

7. Do you support policy that positively impacts tourism, such as the creation of historic and cultural districts?

Answer: Yes

8. Have you had a personal experience with arts, culture, or humanities that has had an impact on your life? Please explain. (responses to this question were not graded)

Answer: I danced ballet for ten years as a child/young adult and experienced first had the power of expression through movement, as well as the power of the arts in bringing people together to celebrate diversity and beauty. Additionally, my family and I are all passionate about the visual arts and prioritize visiting new museums and art experiences when we travel. Also, I previously sat on the Board of Directors of Repertory Dance Theatre. My motivation to serve on this board was multifaceted, but the company's dedication to bringing dance and the arts to children of every socio-economic status was key. I greatly value the role that the arts play in enriching a child's life and the potential to expand horizons and create opportunities for every child in our state.

Explanations: Expanding on earlier questions about funding the arts, particularly in public schools: I have always and will always vocally and vehemently support the need for expanded financial support for the arts in schools. Much of the slack in providing comprehensive arts education is picked up by private organizations, foundations, and parents, and I am grateful that those services exist and continue to thrive in our state. But so many kids still don't have access to the immeasurable benefit that the arts have on our communities being truly well-rounded, thoughtful and enlightened. There is no STEM subject that makes up for the loss of eliminating the arts from our educational system.