Advocacy
Art educators are vital in showcasing the impact of arts on student learning. Please refer to the following main talking points when advocating with students, parents, educators, administrators, and legislators who control the flow of funding.
“Creativity is now as important in education as literacy.” - Sir Ken Robinson
Art fosters collaboration and critical thinking
The arts provide a place for students to explore new ideas, take appropriate risks, creatively problem solve, collaborate, develop aesthetic awareness, explore the world and other cultures, and express themselves.
Art increases student engagement
According to national studies, socio-economically disadvantaged students who receive arts education are more than five times less likely to drop out of school. Involvement in arts is also linked to higher academic performance, increased standardized test scores, and more community service.
Art prepares students for the workplace
Creativity is one of the top three personality traits most important to career success, according to U.S. employers. 72% of employers say creativity is of primary concern when they’re hiring. The arts teaches creativity, problem solving, collaboration and communication, and leadership.
Art prepares students for higher education
The U.S. Department of Education recommends that college-bound middle school, junior high, and high school students study the arts. Many universities require one high school arts credit for admission. Students involved in art are twice as likely to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
Simple & Effective Ways to Advocate
Write a letter to your administration.
Download this letter template and edit it to suit the needs of your school: Advocacy Form Letter UAEA.
Showcase your students’ art in your local community.
Grocery stores, libraries, banks, malls, restaurants, hospitals, coffee shops, and local businesses are all great options for displaying student work. Consider contacting any for a win-win situation, bringing patrons to businesses as well as showcasing student art.
Display your students’ art within the school.
Art displays and art shows are great ways to advocate for your arts program. Invite local media, LEA Communications Departments, school council members, board members, and legislators. Include artist statements and standards, vocabulary, and techniques to educate attendees.
Be active in art-based local, state, and advocacy organizations.
The following organizations are great to partner with and are generally required to have outreach or partnerships:
Utah State Board of Education Fine Arts “Upon completion, all Utah students are prepared to succeed and lead by having the knowledge and skills to learn, engage civically, and lead meaningful lives.”
Art Works for Kids A foundation started by Beverley Taylor Sorenson that advocates for the arts.
Friends of BTSALP Sign up to receive an email about writing to your legislator to advocate for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program. This program is funded by the Utah State Legislature, and every year lobbies elected officials to keep the program in the state’s education budget
Zoo, Arts, Parks (ZAP) or Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) funds local arts agencies in many Utah cities.
Utah Division of Arts & Museums “Our mission is to connect the people and communities of Utah through arts and museums.”
Utah Cultural Alliance “UCA is the statewide voice for the arts and humanities. UCA lobbies for robust, fiscally responsible funding and constructive policy decisions that build culture’s presence and improve access to lifelong humanities and arts education. We create cultural champions among elected officials. We mobilize and unite the cultural sector into powerful advocates for themselves and our community.”
Communicate a clear message.
Be visible.
Advocacy Made Simple by NAEA
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