Sizing up Utah treasures

Palmer DePaulis has been doing a lot of listening lately.

From bookmobiles to the Range Creek archaeological site to the Folk Arts Museum, the new executive director of Community and Culture has been hearing about a multitude of "hidden treasures."

Three weeks into his role, DePaulis said he had been so busy listening, he had yet to unpack a stack of boxes still piled in the corner of his downtown Salt Lake office.

For now, he says, "everything is on the table," as he listens to staffers within his divisions: Utah Arts Council, Ethnic Affairs, State History, Housing and Community Development, Indian Affairs and the State Library.

"I'm hearing about really valuable, wonderful things they are doing, the passion they have for it and where they want to take it," DePaulis said. "And I'm thinking to myself, 'This is a treasure; this is what builds community. These are the touchstones people can use to learn about each other.' "

After taking office, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. created the Department of Community and Culture out of the former Department of Community and Economic Development. He moved economic development under his office. DePaulis, the former mayor of Salt Lake City, succeeds Yvette Diaz, who resigned as the state's first Latina cabinet member in March.

"One of Gov. Huntsman's primary goals for the Department of Community and Culture is to enable all Utahns to feel a sense of belonging as well as to give them an enhanced appreciation for our state's deep tradition in the arts and culture," said Mike Mower, the governor's spokesman.

DePaulis sees potential to enhance existing programs and bring more visibility to them. He sees potential for integrating the cultural programs with economic development and for getting action items into the budgeting process.

DePaulis has plenty of examples. There's the state art collection, which is partially stored in a warehouse. Some items need restoration, others aren't loanable, said Lynette Hiskey, assistant director of the Utah Arts Council.

The Legislature has allocated $100,000 to start restoring 125 art pieces. The council needs about $200,000 more for the project, she said. The 320 pieces that are on display are in public buildings such as the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion.