So many people have been involved in some aspect of the arts at some point in their lives. The arts are something that many parents want their children to be involved in. I have been lucky enough that throughout my life I have gotten to experience many different forms of art, like dance, music, theater and painting. The arts are one of the experiences that I think has shaped who I am, as they have had such a big impact on my life. Here are my 10 reason why we should support the arts.
1. The arts are an extremely varied field.
The arts encompass some many different forms of expression. There is theater, dance, music, photography, film, painting, sculpting and so many other forms of it. It is broad, and therefore anyone can find an area in which they can excel.
2. They provide a place for people to feel like they belong.
The communities that are created within the arts are some of the most supportive and accepting places for kids to be. For example, my high school band was like a family. We pushed each other to grow, not just within music but outside music as well. The band kids would often go to the school sports games and cheer for their fellow band mates on the field. Every person was different, but we all understood that we all brought something unique and great to the arts.
3. The arts provide a creative and healthy outlet for energy.
With so many different options, there are many ways in which energy can be filtered into something productive and healthy. The arts are more active than people think, especially for the mind and the body. It provides a challenge for the mind and can often be a form of exercise for the body in the case of music, dance and theater.
4. They have academic benefits.
The arts have been proven to have many academic benefits, especially when started early. The SAT scores of students who are involved in the arts are often higher than those of their counterparts that are not. In addition, there are many valuable skills picked up by having arts within the curriculum. Children learn fine motor skills, problem solving, language, and other other important aspects that provide a basis for education.
5. You develop a life-long skill.
The skills that are learned by being enrolled in an art class of any kind will follow you for the rest of your life. These skills will provide you with a form of entertainment and activity.
6. The arts can be practiced at any age.
People can particpate in the arts at any age. Whether it is as a child or after retirement, the arts are a healthy part of an active lifestyle.
7. The arts keep children out of risky behaviors.
The arts again provide a healthy and positive outlet for energy, but they often serve as an after-school activity keeping them out of trouble. Music, dance, and theater programs run after school and are a way to keep busy in a way that is productive.
8. They have a positive impact on the community.
The arts can be seen to have a positive impact on the community. They can provide economic stimulus, as local artists can drive business to their towns. They build community when local bands and dance groups perform at concerts and parades. They can beautify towns with the work of local sculptors or the murals of local painters.
9. They provide life-long memories.
Some of the best memories that I have are from the arts. My involvement in music and theater have left me with lasting memories of friends, accomplishments and fun.
10. The arts are a part of the human experience.
The arts are uniquely human. We are the only animal that has developed an ability to create art. It is part of human nature to want to create, and thus this should be embraced.
However, many people, especially children, are losing the opportunities to be involved in the arts. Many budget cuts in the public school system target the arts as they are often deemed as one of the most expensive and least essential parts of academia, but this is far from the truth. The arts have so many positive impacts on the individuals involved and the people in the community and should continue to thrive as an essential part of education and society. There are many ways to support the arts in school, like donating to and volunteering at local high schools, talking to members of your local government about the benefits of the arts and donating to organizations that support the arts, like the National Association for Music Education and Americans for the Arts Action fund.
