Whereas, the Quad City community boasts a symphony, a professional ballet, a family museum of arts and science, a regional arts council, a nationally recognized performing artist series, a literary guild, a vast number of theater and music organizations, a visual arts program and our own natural science museum as well as an accredited museum of arts all with an audience approaching three million annually; and

Whereas, it is time to bring recognition to the collective cultural wealth that is within our community which generates a strong local cultural tourism economy and is a catalyst for urban renewal initiatives as well as delivering an enhanced quality of life; and

Whereas, a website has been established which unites arts and culture presenters and be shared with civic, development and tourism organizations in tandem with a newly created logo that will unify all partners in a branded Quad City community identity with world wide marketability.

Now, Therefore, I, Phillip C. Yerington, Mayor of the City of Davenport, do hereby proclaim and recognize our Quad City community as a 

"MIDWEST ARTS MECCA" 

and urge all citizens in the entire Quad Cities to join me in the support and enjoyment of the many cultural activities available to them.