Recent government expenditures everywhere have taken a downhill stride in trying to preserve the arts. The music and art programs in schools are being cut to “save money”, but in reality, the cut only makes them lose money. The arts are beneficial for a number of reasons to a community, and here’s a few:

• The arts create jobs. Having strong art programs in a community will stimulate business activity and produce tax revenue. Studies have shown that the arts create a successful and sustainable strategy for revitalizing rural areas, inner cities and populations struggling with poverty. Strong art programs will also attract tourists in a community, thus bringing in revenue.

• The arts have been proven to stimulate the mind and aid in growing the imagination. They also facilitate success in school, enhancing students’ academic achievement in multiple subjects. The arts help grow the area of the brain that houses critical thinking, communications and innovation skills which are essential to have in today’s job market.

• The arts increase blood flow to the brain, decreasing the chance of a stroke. Therapy for trauma victims and aging adults have been known to use the arts to help them come to terms.

• Funding to the arts allows for the preservation of a communities’ culture and heritage. Preserving the arts passes along the unique traditions and character of a community to future citizens and residents of that community.

Having the arts in a community only helps its citizens. They provide tax revenue and even make people healthier. The government is greatly hurting citizens by cutting funds to arts programs.