Why Art Matters!

Use these resources to communicate the value of the arts!

Art Reaches all Learners

Art reaches students in ways that they are not otherwise being reached.

-->The Impact of the Arts on Learning<-- | This article comes from a review of the federal report "Champions of Change." The author of this review is N.M. Weinberger. The "Champions of Change" report was released in 1999 by the Arts Education Partnership and the President's Council on the Humanities.

Art Builds The Brain

Research has shown that art experiences can physically improve brain growth.

-->How Arts Training Improves Attention and Cognition<-- | Sustained training in music, dance or other arts strengthens the brain’s attention system, which in turn may improve cognition more generally. Evidence for such cognitive “transfer” is accumulating.

Art Teaches 21st Century Skills

Art helps develop higher order thinking and problem solving strategies.

-->21st Century Skills Map<-- | 21st Century Skills Map for the Arts Released July 15 on Capitol Hill

Art Education Improves Academic Performance

The College Board reports that college-bound students who have arts education have higher SAT scores than other students.

-->SAT Scores and the Arts<-- | Graph showing achievement of arts students vs. non-arts students on the SATs

Art Keeps Kids in School

Research proves that involvement in arts education results in increased attendance and academic growth.

-->How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement<-- | Positive signs of support for the arts in education are visible everywhere.

Support the Arts with these great resources from our national affiliate

Check our more great advocacy resources at the National Art Education Association web site: http://www.naea.org

-->NAEA Advocacy Resources<-- | Have your voice heard in your backyard and on Capitol Hill. As professional art educators, we know and understand the essential value that visual arts education holds for learners. But do others know and understand? Your school leaders? Parents? Your elected representatives? School Board members? Your local media? Who needs to hear your voice? What are the critical legislative issues affecting art education? It's time we bring our knowledge and our voice to art education advocacy!

Need Funding?

Try these scholarship and grant opportunities from the National Art Educators Association web site: http://www.naea.org/events-education/scholarships

-->Additional Grant Tips and Scholarships<-- | Find additional grant opportunities, tips for writing grants and securing funds, scholarship opportunities, and resources for students.