Editor’s Note: Americans for the Arts partners with VANS on their Custom Culture program. Last week in New York City was the final event of the competition, where the winning shoe design was picked. Below are remarks that our Arts Education Program Manager made during the event:

My name is Kristen, and my organization, Americans for the Arts, partners with Vans to ensure that schools all over the country have amazing arts programs, just like yours.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” -Albert Einstein

Perhaps the most compelling support for learning at all ages comes from participants:

Jeff Poulin

So, you’ve heard about the new National Core Arts Standards, right?

Randy Cohen

There is an old quote attributed to John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich:

Ray Cornils

What does a 100+ year old pipe organ have to offer school children in today’s world?

Kim Dabbs

Take Action!

Sabrina Klein

It’s good to shut up sometimes. – attributed to Marcel Marceau