As likeminded arts and education organizations, NAfME and 52 other national groups have come together to release a unified statement on the necessity of arts education for all students, “Arts Education Is Essential.” We have listened to educators across the country as you grapple with uncertainty in the next and coming school years. With fellow organizations working to preserve music and arts education, we have provided this clear statement of support for educators and other stakeholders, which also provides you talking points as you make the case with administrators and other decision-makers for your own music program in your school district. Three principles are spelled out in “Arts Education Is Essential”:
- “Arts education supports the social and emotional well-being of students, whether through distance learning or in person.”
- “Arts education nurtures the creation of a welcoming school environment where students can express themselves in a safe and positive way.”
- “Arts education is part of a well-rounded education for all students as understood and supported by federal and state policymakers.”
We encourage you to share this statement with your own network, and share why you believe “Arts Education Is Essential” on social media using the hashtag #ArtsEdIsEssential and tagging @NAfME.
Reach out to local, state, and federal elected officials with the statement, and urge them to increase funding for state education budgets while also supporting music and arts education.
Please contact the NAfME public policy team at Essential@nafme.org with any questions you may have.