In 2015, the Utah State Legislature passed Senate Bill 194 which allocated $75,000 to organizations with projects that stimulate the economy through arts and culture. Co-sponsors Senator Jim Dabakis and Representative Lowry Snow championed the creation of an Arts and Culture Business Alliance to review such projects.

Governor Gary Herbert appointed the following individuals for their esteemed standing and leadership in arts and culture to serve on the Arts and Culture Business Alliance:.

   – Spencer Cox, Utah Lieutenant Governor

– Rick Horne, R. Harold Burton Foundation (chairman)

– Gay Cookson, Utah Division of Arts & Museums

– Julie Fisher, Utah Department of Heritage & Arts

– James Huntsman, Huntsman Corporation

– Craig Jessop, Utah State University Cane College of the Arts

– Marcia Price, John and Marcia Price Foundation

– Kelly Stowell, Center for Education, Business & the Arts

The committee selected the following to receive funding for Fiscal Year 2016:

    -Caine College for the Arts, Utah State University (Logan)

-Casino Star Theatre (Gunnison)

-Helper Arts & Music Festival (Helper)

-The Performing Arts Foundation/The Rose Exposed (Salt Lake City;)

-Beverley Taylor Sorenson Complex, Southern Utah State University (Cedar City)

“It is a privilege to work with individuals who are making such an incredible contribution to Utah’s economy and quality of life,” committee chair Rick Horne said. “Strengthening the relationship between our vibrant arts community and our ever-growing business community is an important initiative for Governor Herbert and we are excited for the challenge.”

The Arts and Culture Business Alliance functions under the auspices of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums and will serve as an advisory committee. The committee will advocate for economic development where business intersects with the arts.