Allow me a moment to get on a soapbox... The Austin arts community is on the eve of a very important vote. This coming November (early voting begins late October), in addition to the governor's race (go Kinky!), there will be a series of Propositions on the ballot. This includes Proposition 4, which is on the ballot to offer some assistance to various aspects of Austin's arts scene. These include:

Austin Film Society / Austin Studios ($5 million to help expand and improve studios, stages and digital facilities)

Zachary Scott Theatre Center ($10 million to help construct new theatre complex and children's classrooms)

Mexic-Arte Museum ($5 million to help build new museum building and expand education services

Asian-American Resource Center ($5 million to help construct new cultural center, classrooms and display hall)

African American Heritage & Cultural Society ($1.5 million to help build new cultural center, live arts and music facilities)

Mexican-American Cultural Center ($5 million to help construct new arts facility and lakeside performance space)

What does this mean for Austin taxpayers? A few extra dollars a month, and that's it. And in exchange, Austin gets to build upon its arts community. And, despite what the most conservative voices will tell you, this isn't about using tax money to make art. It's using tax money to maintain infrastructure, make/keep jobs, and build opportunities for kids. It's about thriving. So, Prop 4 should mean something to anyone who makes art, consumes art, or loves someone doing either. A campaign is underway, called "I'm For 4." Learn more.

hear, hear!

Not to overcrowd the soapbox, but it's amazing how often some people assume this kind of spending is frivolous. Austin in particular needs to have a strong foundation in supporting the creative arts infrastructure. Just think how painful it would be for Austin to lose all the income that comes in from festivals and the filmmaking industry (both for the government and the local businesses). And how much better it will be for Austin to keep building on that income.

/rant