Having Their Say About the Arts
"After all, arts education is really the only way to create a more knowledgeable public and new generations of leaders that will drive this creative industry ... Art is central to a civil society. Kids who create don’t destroy."
Terry Semel, past chairman and co-CEO, Warner Bros. and Warner Music Group
91% of voters indicate that arts are essential to building capacities of the imagination.
71 % believe schools today are not building capacities of the imagination.
According to a national poll conducted by Lake Research Partners
"There are many children in our schools today who have the potential to contribute great things to our nation, but we can’t tell who they are on the basis of standardized tests one or two subjects. We need to give every child individual attention, and the opportunity to explore different subjects, so they can discover what interests them."
Reg Weaver, President of the National Education Association in an online article, thedailyvoice.com – You don’t have to be a rocket scientists (May 19, 2008)
What CMSD 8-12th graders think about the arts and learning:
"It makes learning more interesting, it makes you want to learn more."
"It helps connect with different people and bring the mind to a place of enjoyment."
"It's something that can change a child's life and expand their learning opportunities."
"People respond better to arts. Also because it can help you with your career. In John Hay we have a program that teaches us art techniques. We will also learn how to make 3-D models of buildings we will create."
"It helps shape your character and gives you another outlook on life."
"It helps to give opportunities to students and it's an experience they can't get through any other subject."
"It helps people break out of their shell and not be afraid to speak out about their opinions."
"They help introduce a new experience in life that is very rewarding and exciting. It opens you up to a possible career choice or hidden talent."
"The arts give me confidence."
"It is fun."
"I think the most important thing the students learned is about different people and different cultures - the broad spectrum of how great art is, and music and dance and how it can really influence a culture. I don’t know how many chances these kids have to get to see fine art, or go to a ballet, versus MTV and pop culture."
Teacher (ICARE)
"The arts enrich our lives in countless ways, not only by inspiring us and heightening our creativity and inventiveness, but a vibrant cultural community has a direct impact on Ohio’s economic health by providing high-skilled, high-wage jobs, generating revenue and often-times spurring urban renewal."
Lieutnant Governor Lee Fisher, Ohio Citizens for the Arts: Keeping the Arts Strong in Ohio, The Arts Impact Ohio’s Economy