Gov. Perry's Speaks at the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation's Press Conference

Thank you, Senator Van de Putte and thank you all for being here.

It's always nice to visit San Antonio, but the city's festive energy seems to go up a notch or two during the holidays.

San Antonio is truly a microcosm of our state's rich cultural heritage as a diverse population forges its own unique identity blending the best of their own art, music and food to form a tapestry unlike any other.

In a city that is already well known for its economic power with USAA, H.E.B., Valero, and even a Toyota plant the cultural scene is evolving at its own dynamic pace.

It is time for San Antonio to have a performing arts center to match its economic, cultural and social significance.

All across our state, communities are investing in the performing arts and finding that it not only broadens the mind but also has a significant economic impact.

Good performing arts centers not only attract enthusiastic patrons but also pull in the shops, restaurants and other businesses that cater to those taking part in a cultural experience.

One example is the flourishing arts community in North Texas made up of organizations ranging from the Dallas Opera to the Frisco Community Band.

A recent Deloitte study showed that organizations of that kind have an economic impact in that region in excess of $1 billion.

That buys a whole lot of violin strings and paint brushes but it also creates good jobs while it enriches people's lives.

The economic success that our state has enjoyed as the nation's leading job creator and exporter has created prosperity that fuels cultural undertakings like this one.

The impact of our low taxes, predictable regulations, fair legal system and accountable schools is plain to see in this area's new jobs.
Employers have been voting with their feet and coming to Texas, because they understand it's still the land of opportunity.

As jobs and paychecks increase, a community's capacity to invest in the arts goes up as well which is how it should be because the role of patron should not be filled by government.

From a practical perspective, government's time is far better spent keeping its citizens safe and cultivating a job-friendly environment.

From an artistic perspective, the consensus driven nature of government limits its ability to create true beauty.

That's why the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation will ultimately be successful.

Your clear vision, meticulous organization and unquenchable enthusiasm are sending a clear message to potential patrons that the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is a worthy investment.

Your citizens clearly agreed by approving the Venue Tax extension and corporate citizens like Frost and AT&T are onboard as well.

Your momentum will only increase as leaders like Bruce Bugg, Senator Van de Putte, Judge Wolff and Mayor Castro continue their support.

I look forward to the day when Anita and I make the drive to San Antonio and grab a seat for a concert, a ballet or a play.

Surrounded by folks who share our appreciation of art who gave to make this dream a reality we will enjoy the experience all the more.

So, I congratulate you for your efforts and wish you God's best as you work to provide a home for art and beauty.

May God bless you and, through you, may He continue to bless the great state of Texas.

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