Art might be nice to look at and hear, but the chair of the Missouri Arts Council says it could be a cultural and economic gold mine for the state. Betty Wilson says art has healing powers – something desperately needed in these past few years. And she makes the case that funding art is just like funding any other industry in this state. In fact, the State Economic Development Department estimates that creative industries wages total around $4.8-Billion annually, and at least part of those wages end up coming back to the state in the form of taxes. Wilson says she is heartened by Governor Matt Blunt’s stated committment to reinstate the athletes and entertainers tax as a funding source for the Missouri Arts Council. Blunt is calling for $3.6-Million for the council in his proposed budget.