LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 22, 2016, as New York State Day of the Arts

WHEREAS, New York State is known for the breadth and depth of achieve-
ment of the artists who are born here and those who chose to make their
home here, from the crafts of the Iroquois and other native tribes, to
Washington Irving's legends, from Yoko Ono's performance art to George
Saunders' short stories, from the poetry and music of the Harlem Renais-
sance to the Adirondack Architecture School, from the Hudson River
School of painting to the punk revolution of the 1970s, New York has
been at the forefront of all artistic disciplines; and
WHEREAS, It is well-known that arts experiences are broadly beneficial
for both children and adults, that they build cognitive abilities,
expand capacity for empathy and create deep and meaningful social bonds;
and
WHEREAS, In particular, arts experiences where participants create art
magnify these benefits, while also improving student achievement, health
and mental health outcomes and critical thinking abilities; and
WHEREAS, New York and New Yorkers have made inestimable contributions
to national and global culture, thanks to the importance New York State
has placed on encouraging participation in the arts by both children and
adults, amateurs and professionals; and
WHEREAS, Further, tourism is a sizable revenue producer for New York
State's economy, contributing tens of billions of dollars each year,
much of which is driven by our world-class artists and arts insti-
tutions; and
WHEREAS, Art, artists, museums and other cultural institutions are all
essential to New York's global identity, to its economy, and to the
health, well-being and joy of its inhabitants; and
WHEREAS, All New Yorkers would benefit from participating in the arts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 22, 2016, as New
York State Day of the Arts; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.