Did you know that arts and culture contribute more than $700 billion annually to the U.S. economy? The arts aren't just vital to the well-being of our communities and the development of our kids, they're also an economic powerhouse. The arts are beneficial across personal, professional, and cultural settings, and the data speaks for itself:
- Creativity is the #1 skill 72% of business leaders look for in new employees. 1
- The dropout rate of students with a high participation in the arts is five times lower than the dropout rate of students with a low participation in the arts. 2
- Art therapy has been used in veterans' rehabilitation programs since 1945 and continues to make an impact today. 3
- Substance abuse treatment programs that utilize art and music therapy help patients tap into emotions and needs that may be difficult to express through more traditional forms of communication. 4
- Low-income students who participate in the arts are twice as likely to graduate from college compared to those with no arts education. 5
Yet the arts are often underfunded and an easy target of budget cuts. Join us as we raise awareness, protect access and encourage action on behalf of the arts.
(-)
