Letter: Arts could thrive with some changes

Yes, Hilton Head Island should be an arts destination. And I as a staunch capitalist would support some arts tax contributions if the arts community makes some changes.

We currently have an arts community strongly managed and influenced by a retirement community. Our retired people by themselves cannot support an active arts community. We need the strong support of all the island and, more importantly, tourists.

To start, we need a much more varied and current arts community. If we want a successful arts community, we need to involve some younger people within the arts decision-making process.

We also must have an outdoor amphitheater. Basically, we need a junior version of the St. Augustine, Fla., amphitheater.

Then we need to draw some strong, initial marketing dollars from local businesses to develop six to eight events of quality outdoor entertainment on off-tourist weeks. This is a method to amp up the tourist activity and associated business income on normally slower tourist weeks. As it proves successful, we increase the program, draw more marketing dollars and reduce tax contributions.

But on the negative side, would our retirement community prevent an amphitheater approach in order to protect their habitat? Are we doomed to talk and committees? Can we get some real experience to lead a new vision? Is Gregg Russell retired?

Wes Breinich

This story was originally published December 13, 2015 at 6:04 AM with the headline "Letter: Arts could thrive with some changes."