Did you know that April is Arts, Culture & Creativity Month and Jazz Appreciation Month? My arts education consulting business was birthed out of a desire to ensure that arts education remains a vital part of the community in which I live. To demonstrate my advocacy, I collected signatures for the Arts & Music Education In Public Schools petition to increase funding for the arts. This was an initiative of several California arts advocacy organizations and led by Austin Beutner, former Los Angeles Unified Public Schools Superintendent.
Over one million signatures were gathered by arts activists to place the matter before California voters this fall. If passed at the voting booth, $900 million annually would be dedicated to the arts in public schools without raising taxes. It would also serve to increase the number of arts and music educators in public school classrooms by 50%. Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA and the California chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees are among the entertainment unions that have lent their endorsement. In an entertainment industry which is overwhelmingly White, this measure will allow for more diversity by supplying resources in the funding formula for lower income districts.
Why support the fine arts? My reasons are because these disciplines develop creativity and self expression while contributing beauty to the world. Americans For The Arts has created a fact sheet of its ten reasons. I encourage you to examine the role the arts play in your life and to read them on the link provided. Here are my favorite three from their list:
The arts unify communities regardless of differences in age, race and ethnicity.
The arts improve academic performance for students on standardized tests and yield higher grade point averages for those involved in arts courses.
The arts spark creativity and innovation which is highly sought after by employers.
So the next time you hear a beautiful piano composition, experience a Broadway play or dance to the next viral video, thank an arts educator, teaching artist or creative. Furthermore, if you are a California resident that is so inclined, please #VoteArtsAndMinds on the ballot in November.
Great article!! I'm glad to see such an effort to keep arts education alive in the schools. Art classes have often been considered electives, and unnecessary, and been too easy to cut by some. It is essential to work one's creative side - we all are creating our lives, even though we may not have artistic talent in the traditional sense. Engaging our creative side helps us be more well-rounded individuals, create our lives with greater ease, and learn in the way we each best learn. Thank you for your efforts Talon Consulting, LLC!!! Kelly Myszkowski, Sync with Your Soul™️ Coach