NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK
Every year beginning the second Sunday in September, National Arts in Education Week celebrates the transformative powers of creative skills. The week is also a time to recognize the impact of arts education and how it equips young people to succeed in all areas of life.
It was Albert Einstein who said, “After a certain high level of technical skill is achieved, science and art tend to coalesce in esthetics, plasticity, and form. The greatest scientists are artists as well.” It’s this mindset that has encouraged both educators and students to embrace the arts.
Research proves that arts education helps students to do the following:
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Increase imagination and creativity
- Foster discipline
- Provide alternative ways to communicate and express ideas
- Improve understanding of other cultures
- Support academic success across the curriculum
- Increase personal growth outside the classroom
- Gain a positive outlook about school, which reduces dropout rates
Studies have also shown that art education can transform schools with large populations of students in poverty into vibrant learning hubs. Art education includes dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, just to name a few.
Sadly, schools often cut arts programs first when budget concerns arise. However, all the benefits arts in education provide speaks to the importance of keeping arts in the schools.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalArtsInEducationWeek
Educators, principals, students, and parents participate in this week by hosting a celebration of art in their school or community. These celebrations include art exhibits, talent shows, special performances, presentations, readings, and art competitions.
Students can also explore other types of arts, which include digital arts, culinary arts, plastic arts, and architecture. During the week, advocates of art education are encouraged to work with their elected officials and decision-makers to share the value of arts in education. This is also a week for those who have been positively affected by arts in education to share their story.
Help spread awareness for this week on social media with #NationalArtsInEducationWeek or #BecauseOfArtsEd.
NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK HISTORY
In 2010, Congress passed House Resolution 275. This bill designated the week beginning the second Sunday in September as National Arts In Education Week.