DIRECTOR'S LETTER

Paul Weagraff
Director

The Delaware Division of the Arts is proud to nurture and support the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans.

In our new strategic plan, we espouse a set of values that are core to our mission:

• Access to the arts for all Delawareans

• Advocacy to raise awareness of, and support for, the arts

• Creativity and innovation in the arts

• Diversity in programming, services, audiences, and participation
  Education in and through the arts for all ages

• Excellence in artistic product, process, and service to the community

• Partnerships to advance the arts and maximize opportunities

• Public value of the arts to impact our lives and develop strong communities, economies, and schools

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and through appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly, we are able to invest more than $1.7 million dollars this year in arts programming statewide, serving more than 1 million people. In support of the Governor's agenda, we recognize the role the arts play in contributing to economic growth and education reform.

Our partnerships with the NEA, Americans for the Arts, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and Delaware Arts Alliance broaden our reach and expand our scope. Drawing on the resources of our partners, we are able to provide valuable training in board development, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning.

Our work with the arts community and our partners reveals incredible stories about how the arts impact our lives through economic growth, educational enrichment, and community development. Quality of life is enhanced for all through the arts, attracting businesses, engaging communities, and challenging the status quo, not to mention the transformation of individual lives.

We invite you to participate in the arts. Acquaint yourself with one of Delaware's many artists, get carried away by the magic of a theater performance, frequent one of Delaware's world-renowned museums, experience one of Delaware's many unique festivals. You'll be glad you did!