WHEREAS, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums was founded in 1899 by Utah State Representative Alice Merrill Horne; WHEREAS, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums is the longest-running state arts agency in the nation; WHEREAS, arts and museums inspire and connect people and communities across the great state of Utah, encouraging a vibrant and culturally engaged state; WHEREAS, participation in arts, museums, and other cultural activities foster skills necessary for solving 21st-century challenges, including creative problem-solving, cultural awareness, and communication skills; WHEREAS, Utah's cultural industry output contributes $14.7 billion annually to the state's economy, and is ranked third in the nation for total art and cultural value added to state economies; WHEREAS, Utah is ranked first in the nation for art creation, and third in the nation for cultural participation among adults; WHEREAS, arts and culture drives commerce to local businesses; WHEREAS, on average, attendees to cultural events in Utah spend nearly $40 per person, per event, not including the cost of admission; WHEREAS, the money spent at cultural events represents vital income for local merchants and a value-add with which few industries can compete; WHEREAS, a vibrant arts and culture community keeps local residents and their discretionary dollars in the community; WHEREAS, arts and museums enhance and enrich the lives of all Utah residents; and WHEREAS, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums has served to support and help build the creative infrastructure that has served all the residents of Utah since 1899: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah declares February 2024 "Utah Division of Arts and Museums Month" in Utah. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges all Utahns to connect and engage with the arts and museums in their communities.