The candidates answered a survey about the importance of the arts.
| Irene Bowling | James Thomas | |
| Please rate your interest in the arts | Very interested | Very interested |
| What arts activities have you and/or your family attended, participated in, or supported during the past year? Check all that apply. | Music, Theater, Opera, Dance, Visual, Film | Music, Theater, Opera, Film, Poetry, Creative Writing, Photography |
| Did you or your children participate in any of the above “arts” activities while in school? | Yes | Yes |
| Are you a season subscriber or a member at any local arts organizations? | Yes | No |
| Please give the top three reasons the arts important to you, your family, and/or your community. | 1.Advance understanding
2. Complete a well-rounded education 3. Encourage creativity |
1.Advance understanding
2. Promote cultural heritage 3. Complete a well-rounded education |
| How familiar are you with the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) and its programs? | Very knowledgeable | Some knowledge |
| The arts create jobs and produce tax revenue, stimulate business activity, attract tourism revenue, and help businesses attract and retain a quality work force. | Strongly agree | Strongly agree |
| The arts are an appropriate concern of state government and should be publicly funded. | Strongly agree | Strongly agree |
| Public art improves and enhances public spaces and should be publicly funded. | Strongly agree | Strongly agree |
| Basic education funding must include sufficient and equitable resources for all core subjects, including the arts. | Strongly agree | Strongly agree |
| The benefits of arts education should be equitably provided to all Washington students. | Strongly agree | Strongly agree |