We’ve all heard it: “People in Colorado Springs don’t support the arts.” It’s not true.

When confronted with this, I often point to our growing and loyal audiences, the caliber of our local arts nonprofits, and the impressive number of excellent performances and collaborations available in our community. Our local orchestras have unusually high earned income ratios through ticket sales, and the Chamber Orchestra has almost twice as many season ticket holders this season compared to last. Most impressively, our community recently completed two major capital campaigns supporting the arts—the $28 million addition to the Fine Arts Center and the $6 million renovation and maintenance of the Pikes Peak Center .

So what’s next?

While our arts infrastructure is in top condition, it’s time for a new wave of investment in people. Buildings are nothing without people and their talent. The human institutions of art in our community are running on shoestring budgets and no endowments. It’s time to celebrate the triumphs at the Fine Arts Center and Pikes Peak Center by supporting a renaissance of the human institutions that fill our community (and those buildings) with art and music.

Investment in people doesn’t have to be limited to monetary contributions. You can make a major difference by bringing your friends and neighbors to concerts and showing the people around you why art and music are important. You can even volunteer your time.

I can assure you of this: It may seem glamorous to invest in bricks and mortar, but it is more rewarding to invest in people. The return is far more personal and meaningful.

-- Thomas Wilson

October 24, 200