Three Cheers for Mike Smith and the others working with him to
revive the arts in San Benito County. Just about a year ago, Smith
started a crusade to restore the San Benito County’s Arts Council
in columns he wrote for the Free Lance. He got a strong response
from an interested community
– strong enough that people organized, drafted articles of
incorporation and, this month, the Secretary of State’s Office
granted the Arts Council nonprofit status.
Three Cheers for Mike Smith and the others working with him to revive the arts in San Benito County. Just about a year ago, Smith started a crusade to restore the San Benito County’s Arts Council in columns he wrote for the Free Lance. He got a strong response from an interested community – strong enough that people organized, drafted articles of incorporation and, this month, the Secretary of State’s Office granted the Arts Council nonprofit status.
This is fantastic news. For the last four years, there has not been one single body that organized and advocated for our artists because the Arts Council that thrived for 20 years was disbanded in 2001 due to financial woes.
Now, the bureaucratic path is clear for Smith and company to get down to the work they are passionate about: Finding a way to organize theater performances and concerts, write grants for the arts and unify the wealth of artistic talent in our county. We have no doubt their efforts will offer residents a lively and thriving cultural scene, but there is still plenty of work to do.
That’s where you can help. The Arts Council needs a board of directors. It also needs a venue to showcase the county’s talent.
The Arts Council has approached the owners of the Granada Theatre as a possible home, and received a warm reception. The council also has talked to the Hollister Redevelopment Agency about getting funding to renovate the theater in the heart of downtown. That, too, seems to be a possibility.
The Arts Council is really gathering steam and we ask that residents, business and government leaders and artists join Smith in making it all come together. Dig into your pocketbooks, clear the way for redevelopment money and lend your leadership skills to reviving the arts in San Benito County – a truly worthy goal.
The arts enrich our lives in many ways, from helping us explore the world around us, to giving our youth a healthy and productive outlet for their energies. A thriving arts organization will be a powerful and positive force that will enhance our quality of life in San Benito County. Culture nurtures creativity, and that’s a key component of a healthy society.
Fortunately, we have people in the community like Smith who understand that and are willing to take an active role in supporting the arts.
