Pros and Cons: How Important Are the Arts?

Pros and Cons: How Important are the Arts?

The most common reason public schools cut art programs is due to a lack of funding by state governments and schools struggling to stay financially sound during times of economic downturn. Art and music programs are seen as less important than reading, math and science and schools rationalize the cuts by saying there will be more time to teach the “more important subjects.” Therefore, when local school districts are making cuts, the arts are the first to go. Schools that cut their arts programs often do not ever reinstate these programs.

One of the biggest positive factors of arts education is that it is beneficial for children to have a creative outlet. Also, research has shown that art and music aid in the development of cognitive abilities and critical thinking. In 1999, the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities published a study entitled, “Champions of Change, The Impact of the Arts on Learning”. This study found that arts education boosted overall achievement and academic success.

Music, art and drama are subjects that require ongoing practice and discipline. There are specific skills that can be taught with an arts program and schools that provide these subjects give students a sound foundation for future learning. Participating in the arts builds self-discipline, a strong work ethic and builds self-confidence. Learning the arts has practical applications for careers in the art such as commercial artists, teachers, graphic designers, producers, sound engineers, publicists, promoters and managers.