The Importance Of Government Funding For The Arts

When it comes to education, and what should generally be taught in schools, fine arts classes are consistently on the outermost rim of the educational spectrum. It is either the last to be added, or the first to be dropped in times of budget shortages or altered priorities. Many people believe that government funding of the arts is unnecessary and that funds could be directed elsewhere. Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts has long been a source of political controversy. In recent years there has been more discussion on the topic with many individuals either giving it praise or condemning it. The National Endowment for the Arts should continue to receive government funding due to convincing research regarding students excelling …show more content…
When enrolled in a course such as dance or visual arts leads to the development of thinking skills. R. Deasy states “ High school students who studied a variety of styles of dance for a semester scored better than non dancers on the elaboration, originality, and abstractness of titles factors of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking” ( R. Deasy 8). Being enrolled in dance gives the student the ability to improvise and be as creative as possible. Which is a very useful skill to possess in real world activities. It allows the individual to be flexible and able to make on the spot decisions about his or her next action. Problem solving skills and expression are among the various thought processes associated with study of the arts. ( Ruppert 13 ). Students who are enrolled in arts classes grow socially as well. They learn positive skills such as self confidence, self control, conflict resolution, empathy and social tolerance ( Ruppert 14 ). These characteristics are absolutely vital for one to have because they provide a basis in which humans communicate and interact with each other. Being in the arts helps individuals learn these skills. These characteristics are more apparent in underprivileged youth. As Ruppert stated “ the arts can play a key role in developing social competencies among disadvantaged youth who are at risk of not successfully …show more content…
Areas stated by J Carey “health, education and unemployment” ( Carey 86 ). People feel that students and individuals involved in the arts are not impacting society to the extent as health professionals or public service workers. Opposers of funding the arts feel that the money allotted to the arts could be distributed to more important aspects of developing society and benefiting the whole rather than a portion. According to the above analysis educators of music contribute to society a great deal. The statement made by J. Cary is inaccurate due to the fact that teachers of the arts are contributing to education. Also, educators of the arts are not contributing to the unemployment rate as they are holding jobs and receiving an income from their employer. It has been proven that arts students succeed in life and various subjects when exposed to arts programs. Educators of the arts are molding the future of the world. That is an extremely important role to fill as educators are serving as role models for their students and are making a lasting impact on the students lives. The benefits of arts programs far outweigh the negatives. The National Endowment for the Arts should continue to receive government funding due to convincing research regarding students excelling academically and socially while participating in arts