Cutting the Arts - An American Tradition

For far too many years the arts have been the first programs to be placed on the chopping block in our public schools. It has, unfortunately, become a "tradition" in the California school system. Now, in the worst recession we've had in generations, (some would say a depression, if not at the very least, a deep recession) California's public schools' arts programs are in jeopardy. But we can say, "Not in Patterson." Well, this is my hope, anyway.

Last night at the Patterson School Board meeting, band students and their parents came out in droves in support of their school's music programs. One student, a senior, was the most eloquent - a perfect example of how music and the arts can empower young people. He presented the school board with facts on how music students, on average, perform better in math, language and reading, and overall, do better on tests and go on to higher education. Others spoke out, as well. Many parents, some with tears in their eyes, pleaded with the school board to not cut the music programs because it is the music classes that give their student a reason for going to school.

I know in my own personal experience how much the arts mean, especially, music. If it weren't for my high school music program, I wouldn't have had a reason to go to school everyday. I was a very unmotivated student. It was music and theater that inspired me to go to school and try to do better in my core classes. Matter of fact, music and theater opened doors to literature, language and history. Even as I got more into the theory of music, I found a connection to math. I eventually made it through high school and went on to college with a music scholarship that helped pay for my first four semesters. I owe a lot to the arts; I'd even say I owe my life to the arts.

Yet, again, last night I was inspired by how the arts have changed and inspired so many young lives. And, I believe, the school board heard and understood these pleas. I don't envy them their job and I know they don't take their job lightly. I just hope they say about cutting our schools' arts programs, "Not here. Not in Patterson."

Perhaps they'll start a new tradition here in Patterson. Like the Thanksgiving Day tradition of the President pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey from the chopping block, the school board will pardon our arts programs from the chopping block, too!

Arts Facts

Young people who participate in the arts are:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement


• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools


• 4 times more likely to participate in a science fair


• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance


• 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

Young artists, as compared to their peers, are likely to:

• Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently


• Perform community service more than four times as often

Interpersonally

• Children learn self-expression (mentally, physically, verbally, emotionally)


• The arts give children a positive view of themselves


• They are generally more extroverted and comfortable with others (as well as themselves)

Creatively

• Children learn how to apply abstract thinking to other areas of their lives (such as academics and the career world)


• Their imagination develops more rapidly


• The creative process of theatre leads children to be more open-minded and acceptable because of the diverse roles they portray

Creative, Culture, Education and Workforce
Center for the Arts and Culture (2001)
A complete education in the arts and humanities is proven to help students:

• Think creatively


• Communicate effectively


• Work collaboratively in today's fast-paced, technologically advanced global economy

Arts in Our Economy

• Contribute $5.4 billion to California's economy


• Create 66,300 full-time jobs


• Create 95,100 part-time jobs


• Generate $300 million in state and local tax


• Attract 71.2 million in annual attendance


• Attract 6 million out of state tourists

Creative Industries Study
Americans for the Arts(2008)

• California is home to 98,949 arts-related businesses, institutions, and organizations.


• Arts-related businesses, institutions, and organizations in California employ 500,891 Californians.


• There are 49,489 visual and performing arts businesses in California, employing 181,373 Californians.


• There are 18,663 film, radio and television businesses in California, employing 174,133 Californians.


• California ranks first in the nation with more firms than any other state in this creative economic sector

How States Are Using Arts & Culture to Strengthen Their Global Trade Development
National Governors Association (2003)

• Incorporating arts and cultural exchange in international and business development approaches


• Initiating cultural exchanges with foreign nations


• Making grants to communities and educational intuitions that are actively initiating contacts abroad