To push for higher standards of learning, many policymakers are eliminating arts programs. This book presents the definitive case, based on what is known about the brain and learning, for making the arts a core part of the basic curriculum and thoughtfully integrating them into every subject. Separate chapters address musical, visual, and kinesthetic arts in ways that reveal their influence on learning. Evidence points to the following effects of a fully implemented arts program: fewer dropouts; higher attendance; better team players; an increased love of learning; greater student dignity;

Artists, alongside scientists and entrepreneurs, are role models for innovation in our societies. Not surprisingly, arts education is commonly said to be a means of developing skills considered as critical for innovation: critical and creative thinking, motivation, self-confidence, and ability to communicate and cooperate effectively, but also skills in non-arts academic subjects such as mathematics, science, reading and writing. Does arts education really have a positive impact on the three subsets of skills that we define as “skills for innovation”: technical skills, skills in

Mobilizing Arts and Cultural Resources for Community Development, 2nd Edition was made possible by the collective reflections, experience and expertise of the many individuals who have contributed to the Culture Builds Communities program throughout its more than 20 years. This guide is a comprehensive, action-oriented resource for a broad range of arts and cultural advocates—from grassroots community organizers to elected officials— who are approaching the field from many backgrounds and agendas. It expands on Partners’ six gateways for mobilizing resources,

An issue brief hosted in the Arts Education Navigator for advocates to gain foundational knowledge, concrete examples, and sample policy asks to become an effective advocate for music education

Americans are highly engaged in the arts and believe more strongly than ever that the arts promote personal well-being, help us understand other cultures in our community, are essential to a well-rounded K-12 education, and that government has an important role in funding the arts.

Americans are highly engaged in the arts and believe more strongly than ever that the arts promote personal well-being, help us understand other cultures in our community, are essential to a well-rounded K-12 education, and that government has an important role in funding the arts.

Americans are highly engaged in the arts and believe more strongly than ever that the arts promote personal well-being, help us understand other cultures in our community, are essential to a well-rounded K-12 education, and that government has an important role in funding the arts.

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures. The arts are also a fundamental component of a healthy community—strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.

1. Arts improve individual well-being.
2. Arts unify communities.
3. Arts improve academic performance. 
4. s strengthen the economy.
5. Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses.
6. Arts spark creativity and innovation.
7. Arts drive the creative industries. 
8. Arts have social impact.
9. Arts improve healthcare. 
10. ts for the health and well-being of our military.  

If the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) had simply maintained its 1984 percentage of non-defense discretionary spending of 0.107 percent (11 cents per $100 of spending), the 2018 NEA budget would have been $771.5 million instead of $152.8 million.

If the NEA's 1992 budget had simply remained constant and was only adjusted for inflation, it would be $320.7 million in 2019, instead of $155 million, a $165.7 million difference.