Arts education a boon for students, community

Each year, the cultural and education communities come together to celebrate the power of the arts in education to transform our communities, schools, teaching, and learning. As our young people and educators return to school here in Oneida and our neighboring central New York communities, we take time to reflect on the role of arts education in our lives and how it has contributed to making us the people we are today. The research is undeniable: when schools and communities embrace the arts - dance, music, theatre, visual and media arts - students benefit, educators are more effective, and learning communities are revolutionized.

Designated by Congress in 2010, National Arts in Education Week is a celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education. This year, we will be celebrating from Sept. 9-15, 2018, and I encourage all supporters of arts, culture, and education-as well as our elected officials and education leaders-to join with us!

The research is clear: youth who participate in the arts are more likely to be successful in school, college, and career than their peers who did not have arts education. A rich culture that celebrates and encourages participation in the arts is a hallmark of a healthy, productive, creative society. As anart educator with over 40 years experience in facilitating and witnessing the transformative power of art, I am whole heartedly invested in this initiative.

As we celebrate National Arts in Education Week, we should take pause to cheer for our accomplishments, but also remember the work we have to do. How can we support parents, families, and the community in providing more opportunities for arts education? It’s up to us-the arts edu- cation community-to take a stand and take the lead - andwe can start during National Arts in Education Week.