Americans, the Arts, and Education
Date 2005/6/16 6:54:37 | Topic: Elsewhere...
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Americans for the Arts, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the arts in America, conducted a survey focusing on the attitudes and opinions that Americans feel about art education. The Harris Poll results were announced in Austin, Texas during the organization’s convention entitled Leading the Charge. The Texas Commission on the Arts hosted the event. The primary focus of the convention concerned the need to establish and build partnerships with local, state, and national stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s neighborhoods and cities. What was the consensus of the poll? From those Americans surveyed, how many really believe the arts are vital to a well-rounded education?
The survey was developed by Americans for the Arts and conducted as an ongoing public service campaign for, “Art. Ask for Moreâ€.
The Results reveal the following:
·86 percent of Americans agree that an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school.
·83 percent of Americans believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers.
·79 percent of Americans agree that incorporating arts into education is the first step in adding back what’s missing in public education today.
·79 percent of Americans believe that it’s important enough for them to get personally involved in increasing the amount and quality of arts education.
However, the survey also revealed that those “involved with a child†are uncertain when it comes to how to become involved in “advocating for arts educationâ€.
·62 percent believe that there are other people or organizations in the community who are better suited to take action (than they are).
·40 percent say that they do not know how to get involved in arts education.
Americans for the Arts feel its campaign, “Art. Ask for More†should expand its message from promoting arts education to “empowering parents with more specific tools on how to make a difference in the arts in their communitiesâ€.
“These results reveal the extraordinary impact that our campaign has had in just over two years,†said Ms. Conlon. “I am confident that our successful partnership with Americans for the Arts and GSD&M will continue to motivate parents and adults to champion arts education and recognize its importance in school and in the community.â€
Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, said, “These survey results show that there is a consensus among the American people that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education. They underscore the need to continue the effort to expand arts education in America’s schools and communities.â€
“Art. Ask for More†has been running its public service campaign in print, television, radio, and alternative media for more than three years. It has received more than $110 million from national media donations and includes participation from 367 local partners nationwide. The ads have received placement in publications such as the New York Times, USA Today, Parade, and Time. Advertisement has also aired on TV, cable, and radio networks.
Americans for the Arts’ Mission:
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 40 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.
Visit Americans for the Arts Website to learn More!
Click here to learn more about Art. Ask for More!
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