On behalf of the board of directors and members of the Homer Council on the Arts, I want to express our gratitude to the Homer City Council for its award of an operating support grant for 2012-13.  

We believe that the continued financial support of arts and culture organizations in Homer is essential to the economic future and well being of this community. 

A community that offers art opportunities not only supports our local businesses and brings in revenue for the city, but also attracts a healthy work force.  Supporting the arts is, however, not simply good business sense. A rapidly growing body of research is also demonstrating the critical role that the arts play in the overall well being of a community. 

In light of Homer’s growing aging demographic, the finding that active involvement of senior citizens in art, dance and music reaps unforeseen health benefits is particularly exciting. The Homer Council on the Arts is committed to expanding its activities to better serve this population. Published research also continues to reinforce the importance that art and music have in the development of children’s minds and their emotional well being. Our commitment to creating art experiences in the lives of Homer’s children is paramount to our overall mission.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Gail Edgerly, executive director

Homer Council on the Arts