The Creative Coalition Denounces Proposal to Eliminate Arts in Education Program

The Creative Coalition strongly opposes a proposal released today to cut funding for arts in schools. This morning, Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Chairman of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, introduced a proposal to eliminate 43 education programs the congressman considers “unnecessary” and “wasteful.” Among the programs that would be eliminated if today’s short-sighted proposal were to become law is the federal Arts in Education program, which this year provides $40 million to bring successful arts programs to scale and funds professional development for arts teachers in public schools.

“The proposal seems senseless” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “Representative Hunter says `it’s time to trim the fat.’ Trim the fat? If one looks at the research data regarding the enormously positive impact that school arts programs have on overall student achievement; or talks to parents across the country about how arts programs are disappearing from their children’s schools, it quickly becomes apparent that eliminating funding for arts in education cuts away at the muscle and bones of our public schools.”

“Today’s proposal ignores all the data surrounding the efficacy of the arts and takes us in exactly the wrong direction,” continued Bronk. “It’s particularly ironic that this proposal comes just days after the federal government issued the most comprehensive report in years on the power of arts education programs to improve student outcomes.”

Earlier this month, the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities issued a lengthy report entitled “Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools.” A full copy of the report can be found here:
http://www.pcah.gov/sites/default/files/photos/PCAH_Reinvesting_4web.pdf. The report is the culmination of an eighteen month review of the available scientific research on the impact of arts programs in schools. The report looks at the evidence and notes an emerging consensus on the role that the arts play in “spurring innovation, providing teachers with more effective classroom strategies, engaging students in learning, and creating a climate of high performance in schools.”

The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, it is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance to the arts. Actor Tim Daly serves as The Creative Coalition’s President.

###

Media Contacts:

Dennis St. Rose
The Creative Coalition
212-512-8570
DStRose@TheCreativeCoalition.org
Heather Holland
FMPR
323-957-2700
Heather@FMPR.tv