The arts are blossoming in LV

Some people have called Las Vegas a cultural wasteland, and to them the struggles of the Nevada Symphony Orchestra might validate their belief.

However, there are many who would point out that numerous cultural entities exist here -- though they may be hidden in the shadows of the bright lights of the Strip hotel-casinos.

"We've all heard it over and over that there is no culture here," Jeff Koep, dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, said. "My reaction to that is that it's wrong. ... I sometimes scratch my head and wonder where it comes from."

He pointed out that Las Vegas has the Nevada Dance Theatre, Actors Repertory Theatre, Theatre of Ballet and many other groups.

The Nevada Arts Council has 63 member organizations, including the Nevada Symphony Orchestra.

UNLV is a leader in the cultural movement in Las Vegas, with such notable programs as the Charles Vanda Master Series, which brings to town world-class artists, groups and events.

The university offers an international film series in addition to its many other cultural events.

"But for some reason we've gotten into the habit of saying there's no culture here," Koep said.

He said the orchestra's conflict might underscore the problem of community support.

Though the cultural events are here, Koep said he wonders why they aren't being supported by more members of the community.

"It's time for the community to wake up and stop asking why there is no culture," he said.

Koep pointed out that the hotel-casinos actually add to the cultural quality of the city.

"They bring in performers that other cities would call a cultural series," Koep said.

Myram Borders, with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said the city has made tremendous cultural strides in the past few years.

"The community is becoming more culturally minded compared to 20 years ago," Borders said.

She recalled a phase during which the Strip casinos brought in Broadway plays.

"Right now they're in a phase of production shows, but at one point half, if not more, of the casinos on the Strip were headlining the names of Broadway plays," Borders said.

She agreed that at one time Las Vegas may have been a cultural desert.

"But not anymore," she said.

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