Forty years ago, several Hays residents volunteered their time, enthusiasm and energy to create what became the first Arts Council in Kansas. The efforts of these people, all from different walks of life, are a legacy our community can be proud of.

Prior to the creation of the Hays Arts Council, community arts programs tended to occur sporadically and were not always widely publicized. Founders of the Hays Arts Council wanted to change that; they wanted to establish community-wide support for all cultural events, knowing that Hays' quality of life, reputation, and future growth would benefit as a result.

Over time, the organization grew and took a more active role in organizing and sponsoring cultural events. It purchased a permanent home -- the former Hays Daily News building at 112 E. 11th -- in the early 1970s and established programs in a variety of areas, from the visual to the performing arts.

As the number and diversity of offerings grew, the number of residents attending its programs also expanded dramatically. Today, the Hays Arts Council reaches thousands of Ellis County residents annually through gallery walks, artist lectures, summer arts classes, theater performances and many other activities.

Why I am excited about the arts? Because one of the many strengths that Hays has is a strong, vibrant arts community that includes local artists who create exceptional work, the Heartland Community Theatre, the Hays Symphony, the Encore Series at FHSU, an amazing arts educator network at our schools, and the world-class FHSU Art Department. As a result of these community leaders -- and the work of many others -- the city of Hays received the Kansas Governor's Arts Award: Arts Community for 2010.

In an increasing competitive economy, it is a fact that thriving, economically viable communities have a strong quality of life that includes the arts. Past success was measured by the number of factories in a city or the average hourly wage, but in the 21st century, communities are determined to be livable -- or avoided -- by the role that the arts play in shaping a city's values, attitudes and outlook. Arts communities foster creativity and encourage participation in all community activities from a diverse range of people. This creativity not only makes a community more enjoyable but also improves local business climate, by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

I am lucky to live in a community that values the arts and appreciates the work so many have done to make our community a better place to live.

Henry Schwaller IV is a member of the Hays City Commission.