Saving The Economy Through Arts Education

A Case For Saving The Economy Through Arts Education

"Art is humanity's most essential, most universal language. It is not a frill, but a necessary part of communication. The quality of civilization can be measured through its music, dance, drama, architecture, visual art and literature. We must give our children knowledge and understanding of civilization's most profound works."

---Dr. Ernest L. Boyer,

former president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 1988.

Worldwide, every post industrialized nation is considering major reforms in education, and with these changes are opening real opportunities for the arts to make distinctive contributions to learning and development. Most nations have recognized the change within the world economy and see that the industrial economy which required a workforce that was 80% manual and 20% professional will not meet the current economic needs required to build the new global economy.

With the current dissolution of familiar corporate structures, down-sizing, lay-offs, outsourcing, and just plain close-outs, our world is facing a challenge that is unprecedented. The labor force which is now faced with "creating" their own futures know that they cannot depend on a corporation or job to survive. It is therefore imperative that individuals find creative ways in which to survive while restructuring and re-designing there once "secure" job based existence.

Corporations and businesses looking for ways to survive in a tough climate of global competition and free-market must find "intra-preneurs" or people that work within their organizations that are creative problem solvers.

Arts Education provides these because it is a kinesthetic method of learning. Arts education not only develops cultural sensitivity, it provides a critical skill set needed for the 21st Century business, societal and cultural challenges facing us in a global community. In support of my personal view point as presented in the above statements, I offer the below listed synopsis from

A Solid Arts Education:
Strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills adding to overall academic achievement.

Develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance and goal setting--skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

May help troubled youth, providing an alternative outlet to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning.

Provides another opportunity for parental, community, and business involvement with schools, including arts and humanities organizations.

Helps all students develop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done

Makes a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and has proven to help level the "learning field" across socio-economic boundaries

Helps children develop the mind and body by encouraging reflection and higher level thinking as well as active learning.

Helps stimulate and develop the imagination and refine cognitive and creative skills as well as critical thinking.

Teaches children the skills necessary to succeed in life, including developing to informed perception; articulating a vision; learning to solve problems and make decisions; building self-confidence and self discipline; developing the ability to imagine what might be; and accepting responsibility to complete tasks from start to finish.
(Source: Americans for the Arts)

In view of the current state of global affairs and the above points, I submit that sustained economic survival both individually and collectively can only be achieved through an Art-Centered Education. During these economic times, we must be able to think "outside-of-the- box , exploring solutions to our problems in creative ways. The clock is ticking---and we cannot afford to be linear in our thinking and expect to survive. Funding & Supporting Of The Arts is an effort our communities need and our children demand it!

In summation, I offer one final comment in support of Arts Education as it can impact our economic and future and workplace:

"After a long business career, I have become increasingly concerned that the basic problem gripping the American workplace is not interest rates or inflation; those come and go with the business cycle. More deeply rooted is….the crisis of creativity. Ideas…are what built American business. And it is the arts that build ideas and nurture a place in the mind for them to grow….Arts education programs can help repair weakness in American education and better prepare workers for the twenty-first century."

--------Richard Gurin,

President and CEO of Binney & Smith Inc.