Independent journalist Timothy Burke. Credit: Photo c/o Timothy Burke

We used to assume that recognizing the importance of a strong arts scene to building a robust and sustainable local economy was a nonpartisan position. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in recent developments at the county level and in Tallahassee, that’s no longer the case.

Our continued growth is contingent on providing the cultural experiences expected by the people who are moving to Tampa Bay. Therefore, it’s vital we ask the question of all candidates for local and state office their opinion on public funding for the arts, while doing our best to impress upon those already in elected positions the role arts funding plays in the local economy in order to better enlighten them and hopefully change their minds.

To commemorate the leap year, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked readers and local leaders to chime in on what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place in four years. These are some of the results of the “What Tampa Bay Needs” survey.

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