The arts have always held a special place in my heart. They have helped me grow intellectually, and helped me learn more about myself and more about society as a whole. In the past few weeks, President Trump has put a target on the backs of those in the arts community. His cabinet poses a huge threat against keeping the arts alive by having proposed a plan to cut funding to national arts programs. It seems as though when cuts to the budget need to be made-- the arts is the first place the government looks at, shrugs it's shoulders, and decreases it's funding.
Some may ask why it is important to keep funding arts programs. Here are some reasons why the arts are a necessity and why the government should keep funding them, and why we, the people of the United States, need to keep supporting them.
The arts are an outlet.
The arts are an outlet in which those, for thousands of years, have been able to foster creativity, enable people to express themselves and create a sense of unity between people of different races, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations.
The arts bring in revenue that strengthens the economy.
The arts create millions of jobs and billions in government revenue. In 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the arts and culture sector represented 3.25% of the nation's GDP—a larger share of the economy than tourism and agriculture.
The arts help heal you.
Whether it be mentally or physically. Mental health facilities have started "drama therapy" which helps facilitate personal growth and promote mental health. People who suffer from severe depression sometimes use art therapy, an effective treatment in supporting, releasing, and integrating the symptoms of depression by supporting one's self in exploring depression through the senses.
The arts helps create successful students.
Students are held to a higher standard. With an art-rich education, students have better GPAS, lower drop out rates and score better on standardized tests.
The arts help teach us about life.
The arts celebrate multiple perspectives. One of their large lessons is that there are many ways to see and interpret the world. It shows us how to problem-solve. It tells us to never give up on ourselves. It teaches us accountability. It beautifully demonstrates different aspects of society and teaches it's audience valuable lessons.
The arts encourage diversity and self-love.
Students learn to connect with each other in a different environment and, with this, they are able to learn more about different cultures and people. Fine arts promote self-esteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. These are the very fibers of the fabric known as our American culture.
George Washington once said that the arts were "essential to the prosperity of the state and to the ornament and happiness of human life."
So be sure to support your local theaters, actors, artists, musicians and dancers; they are working to change the stigma that has been placed on fine arts by so many who deem it "a waste of money". Continue to pursue careers in the arts and continue to let your voices be heard.
