A resolution recognizing Watkins College of Art & Design for its commitment to the Metro-Center area.

WHEREAS, Watkins College of Art & Design is one of Nashville's oldest and most distinguished educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Watkins College of Art & Design has offered instruction to more than 350,000 Nashvilians and Tennesseans over its long history; and

WHEREAS, Watkins College has served the greater Nashville community faithfully for more than 120 years as a non-profit, educational institution; and

WHEREAS, Watkins College has become of the region's most prolific producers of emerging artists, designers, and filmmakers; and

WHEREAS, Watkins College has entered the 21st century with a renewed commitment to serve all of the people of Nashville, and to attract innovative and talented people to the city from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, the College purchased thirteen acres of land and renovated a 60,000 square foot facility in the Metro-Center providing classrooms, studios, labs, a library, an exhibition gallery, administrative offices, sound stages, and a 200-seat theatre; and

WHEREAS, The overall vision of the College in its new location is to create an "artists village" with residence halls for students, faculty, and visiting artists, an arts conference center, bookstore, more studio space, and other support facilities; and

WHEREAS, in August of this year the "Charles W. and Lee Ann Hawkins Residence Hall" will open, and is the first step toward completing the vision for Watkins College of Art & Design; and

WHEREAS, in all of these most recent accomplishments, Watkins has played a central role in the revitalization of the Metro-Center area; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Watkins College of Art & Design for its contributions to the citizens of Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as commending Watkins College of Art & Design's Commissioners, Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, and Students for their innovative leadership for enriching and enhancing cultural arts for all Nashvillians.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Dr. James T. Brooks, Jr., President of the College.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 6, 2005
Adopted:	September 6, 2005
Approved:	September 8, 2005
By: