10 Salient Studies in Arts
  Education

A fine arts education - including music, theatre, drawing, dance, painting, or sculpture - whether in practice or theory, has been a part of any well-rounded curriculum for decades. This may be changing for the worse. Many schools today are cutting back or eliminating their art programs due to budget, time constraints, and pressure to focus only on the "tested" subjects. It is estimated that by the end of this year, more than 25% of public high schools will have completely dismantled them. These statistics aren't just bad news for teachers working in the arts. Numerous studies done over the past decade have demonstrated the amazing benefits of such an integral facet of a whole education. Students who don't have access to art classes may not only miss out on a key creative outlet, but might also face greater difficulty mastering core subjects, have higher dropout rates and more disciplinary problems.

You don't have to take our word for it - you can read the studies yourself. Here are listed some of the biggest on the arts in education conducted over the past decade. Taken on by research organizations, college professors and school districts themselves, the studies reveal the power of art to inspire, motivate and educate today's students. And, of course, demonstrate what a disservice many schools are doing by undervaluing such an integral part of their education and development.  

  As you may know, Massachusetts is considering passing legislation to have gambling casinos. There are two amendments to this pending legislation in the MA state senate to mitigate the impact of casinos on our non-profit cultural organizations.     

  Call your Senator today and urge them to cosponsor and/or support Amendment 178 to Senate Bill 2015, which could nearly double funding for recipients of grants in MCC's Cultural Investment Portfolio (described below).  

  Urge them to also support Amendment 48, which will protect our nonprofit presenting arts organizations (also see below for more information).    

  Senate debate on the gambling bill begins Monday, September 26, so please contact your Senator today.     

Amendment # 178 would increase the portion of gambling revenues available for grants to nonprofit arts, humanities, and science organizations in Massachusetts. The amendment was filed by Sen. Eileen Donoghue of Lowell, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. Two percent of the state revenue derived from gambling would be directed to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) under legislation to be debated by the Senate. This amendment would assure that half of those revenues would go to grants for organizations in MCC's Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP); the other half would be devoted to nonprofit performing arts centers most directly impacted by casinos. This amendment could create $3 million or more for operating support grants annually once casinos come on line in Massachusetts, nearly doubling the funding currently available.     

Amendment # 48 would give presenting arts centers a stronger position in direct negotiations with casinos over how performances are booked and scheduled. These organizations are at a financial disadvantage when competing with casinos for talent. That amendment was filed by Sen. Harriette Chandler of Worcester, Assistant Majority Whip.    The state House of Representatives passed its version of the gambling bill last week, after rejecting similar amendments filed on behalf of the cultural sector. The legislation already contains provisions to restrict the seating capacity of performance spaces in casinos, a provision sought by MA Cultural Commission and a coalition of performing arts centers concerned about their ability to compete for acts.     

  Contact information for state Senators is online.     

  Find out who represents you in the Senate.     

  Thank you for your advocacy.