What's good for South Jersey arts is good for South Jersey business.

Even if the state Council on the Arts gave South Jersey its rightful 25 percent of state funding … instead of 21 percent … the arts community here still would need more. Private funding also is critical to a successful arts scene. And, right now, private funding is lacking in South Jersey.

There are a number of reasons for that - including, as arts groups freely will acknowledge, a failure on the part of local arts organizations to let the community know they are here and what they have to offer.

One way to jump-start private funding is the upcoming Third Annual Regional Business/Arts Summit scheduled for April 27 at the South Jersey Performing Arts Center in Camden. Cost is $50 to attend the summit and for the luncheon. For details, call the Arts and Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey at (856) 216-7105.

In the past, the summits have brought business and arts leaders together to talk about the arts and what they mean to South Jersey, especially the local economy:

•Every dollar spent on the arts translates into $2 in total regional spending, a Rutgers University report indicated.

•The state reports that N.J. cultural organizations account for more than $700 million of the state's economic activity.

•At Philadelphia cultural events, about one out of every four people in attendance is from South Jersey.

•About 11 million people attend arts events in New Jersey each year.

Already, South Jersey faces an uphill battle when it comes to private funding. North Jersey arts organizations have a much bigger corporate base from which to draw donations. And since it's the nature of both people and businesses to donate to causes close to home, marching north and demanding money won't do much good.

South Jersey arts groups need South Jersey businesses to step forward with checkbooks open.

When proper - lawful, even - state arts funding is made to South Jersey, and when the private sector fully understands the value of a thriving arts community, a true partnership will be formed.

Then, South Jersey residents will be able to enjoy a truly flourishing arts scene.