The Arkansas Arts Center, one of the leading arts and cultural venues in our State, has found a way to take its visitors 3,000 years back in time.

Last week, I attended the opening of the museum's newest exhibition, "World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Revealed." The exhibit, on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through July, 2010, is the largest exhibit of its kind Arkansas has ever seen. The more than 200 mummies, statues, sculptures, pieces of jewelry and fascinating works of art provide viewers a window into life three millennia ago under Egyptian Pharaohs.

The Pharaohs exhibit is an intriguing and historically significant showcase of art and artifacts, but it will also be a boon for Arkansas's economy and will boost Arkansas's arts reputation nationally. The Arkansas Arts Center expects to bring in 300,000 visitors to the exhibit. Special events include one-day academies for educators about teaching the history of Ancient Egypt and a lecture series that will focus additional light on subjects ranging from the daily life, religion, and kingship of Ancient Egypt to archaeological excavation and artifact preservation. This is a special occasion for all ages, appealing to those who already are well-versed in Ancient Egyptology, as well as for those just beginning to learn about it.

A project like this requires years of planning, strong leadership, and great generosity. It's a shining example of the success that results when organizations, municipalities, and other groups come together for a common purpose. Our State is fortunate to have such wonderful patrons of the arts as Harriet and Warren Stephens of Stephens Inc., whose significant contribution helped to turn this unprecedented opportunity into a historical and cultural legacy for our State. The Capital Hotel and the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau also provided generous support to this exhibit; their teams realize that investing in this exhibit will translate into investing in Arkansas tourism and education. A long list of additional supporters has also come on board to ensure this exhibit's success.

Cultural and artistic opportunities inspire our creativity in ways that can benefit us in all walks of life. This coming week, we will recognize outstanding examples of Arkansas creativity with the annual Governor's Arts Awards. By experiencing the art of other cultures in exhibits like World of the Pharaohs, we can better glimpse the ways art inspires us and deepens our cultural heritage.

Little Rock is one of only four cities outside Boston selected to showcase the "Treasures of Egypt Revealed." By developing and promoting this world-class presentation of World of the Pharaohs, the Arts Center demonstrates the high-quality arts and cultural offerings Arkansas has to offer. We have a chance to utilize this cultural tour de force to draw visitors from around the country, while making the most of this unique opportunity ourselves.