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the arts help build strong communities
“Through engagement with the arts, young people can better begin lifelong journeys of developing their capabilities and contributing to the world around them. The arts teach young people how to learn by giving them the first step: the desire to learn.” - Richard Riley
the arts positively impact education Study after study proves that students who are highly involved in the arts outperform their “arts-poor” counterparts by almost every measure. This data cuts across socio-economic boundaries and is true for every arts discipline. In fact, sustained participation in the arts correlates strongly with success in math and reading scores. Students of the arts continue to outperform their non-arts peers on the SAT, according to reports by the College Entrance Examination Board. In 2002, SAT takers with coursework or experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. Scores for those with coursework in music appreciation were 64 points higher on the verbal and 43 points higher on the math portion. The benefits of comprehensive arts education are proven in both the traditional school day environment and in extra-curricular or “outside” arts education settings. Regardless of the environment, students who receive high levels of arts instruction earn higher scores on measures of creative thinking than students with lower levels of arts instruction. The arts provide children and teens with authentic, engaging and meaningful multi-sensorial learning experiences. These experiences regularly engage multiple skills and abilities and differ to most classroom experiences which focus on the development of individual skills. Therefore, by participating in the arts, students develop cognitive, social and inter-personal skills and come to understand that thinking and learning are about more than “knowing the answer”. The arts are also a way of reaching students who are not otherwise engaged in school, either because they do not fit into conventional classroom behaviors or settings (labeled as “problem” students) or because they have outgrown established learning environments and have become bored or complacent. For these students the arts can offer a bridge to learning, more engaging challenges and an understanding that learning is a reward in itself and is a lifelong process that promises greater rewards than high test scores and grade point averages. The arts can also show young people - when they work side-by-side with adult artists, teachers and mentors - habits and practices that will prepare them for a successful future in their adult workplaces. They learn that ideas matter. The ability to think up ideas, bring them to life and communicate them to others is what will help in their future careers.
the arts improve our quality of life In 2005, the City of Solon was rated by Money Magazine as #42 in the top 100 places to live in America. Why? There are many factors that go into the publication’s annual review of great American cities. Chief among them are population statistics like income, growth and real-estate appreciation. Other factors include high education scores, employment, taxes and crime. But also important in their analyses is the availability of arts resources, arts and leisure programming and arts education. Also on the list, was Hudson, which ranked #47. Interestingly, Hudson and Solon are nearly identical by every measure except one. Solon has an arts center and Hudson does not. Having arts programming, education and events available as part of the fabric of everyday life, makes communities more vibrant, more engaging, and more interesting places to live. Communities that become known for fostering the arts attract no only visitors, but new residents and homeowners. Often these newcomers are high-income “information age” workers who place a high value on community amenities and quality of life issues. Related links: Money Magazine August 2005 “Top 100 Places to Live” On-Line Article and Solon Center for the Arts
“As I watch people move through our arts programs, learning new skills, discovering new parts of themselves, finding creative ways of expressing their perceptions, I have no doubt about it - art heals. The arts provide preventative and integrative approaches to healthcare, building self-esteem and a sense of identity and belonging, connecting people and celebrating life. All these things are part of an individual's healing process.” - Susan Perlstein
the arts affect our health and well-being In 1998 a project called The Creative Centers Hospital Artist-In-Residence Program began with the mission of bringing art making experiences to patients’ bedsides in New York City area hospitals. In this program, artists offer cancer patients the opportunity to be absorbed in their own creative process as an antidote to the anxiety, pain and boredom that are often part of the treatment of their diseases. A year-long study was conducted of this program in 2000/2001, thanks to a grant from the United Hospital Fund. This study evaluated the outcomes of the program and satisfaction levels of both patients and caregivers. What was found was that not only did the involvement in art-making ease the pain, anxiety, loneliness, fatigue and discomfort of patients’ illnesses and treatments, but that it helped nurses and doctors do their jobs better. They were able to connect with patients who were otherwise non-responsive or uncommunicative. In some cases, patients were more willing to talk about treatment options and/or responded better to treatment after participating in the program. One can deduce from this study that the arts aided in these patients’ healing processes. In 2004 a review of studies published since 1990 looked at 385 medical research papers. The aim of this review was to determine the influence and effects of the arts on health. The findings were that the arts and humanities have a positive impact on clinical outcomes, mental healthcare, staff morale and job satisfaction. According to the review, studies show clear and reliable evidence that measurable positive clinical outcomes are achieved through arts interventions. For example: encouraging people to attend cultural events has a positive effect on blood pressure and hormone levels. Relaxing music has a beneficial effect on anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, immune response and pain perception. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, who listen to 20 minutes of their favorite music each day, report a major reduction in their perception of pain. The use of the arts in mental healthcare, improves relationships between patients, families and providers. Patients learn new ways to express themselves, develop creative skills and develop a better sense of self-esteem. Also, various forms of visual art and music have been proven to improve the quality of life for those patients with dementia. In the general population, arts programs create positive, invigorating and life-sustaining activities that help make human connections. When people come together to see, discuss, share, question and appreciate ideas, the processes of exploration and creativity establish and deepen caring community relationships. In a caring, connected community, people are more likely to stay active, engaged and healthy.
“Cultural activities attract tourists and spur the creation of ancillary facilities such as restaurants, hotels, and the services needed to support them. Cultural facilities and events enhance property values, tax resources, and overall profitability for communities. In doing so, the arts become a direct contributor to urban and rural revitalization.” - National Governors Association
a strong arts scene attracts businesses and visitors In a past survey conducted by the Joint Legislative Committee on Cultural Affairs, 99% of the chief executive officers who were questioned stated that the availability of cultural activities in an area is an important consideration in choosing new locations. In 2001, the Travel Industry Association of America conducted a survey of adult travelers with the purpose of determining the length of time that travelers extend their trips because of cultural activities or events and determining the economic impact of their behavior. According to the results, sixty-five percent of the 146.4 million U.S. adults who traveled 50 miles or more away from home said they included a cultural, arts, heritage, or historic activity or event during their trip. This equates to over 106 million cultural travelers. Of these travelers, 35.3 million adults (33%) said that a specific arts, cultural or heritage event or activity influenced their choice of destination. Of the group that extended their trip because of arts and culture, 57 percent extended their trip one or more nights. Travelers who included cultural events on their trips differ from other U.S. travelers in a number of ways. Compared to all U.S. travelers in 2001, cultural travelers: Spent more: $631 vs. $457 Were older: 48 vs. 46 Were more likely to be retired: 20% vs. 16% Were more likely to have a graduate degree: 23% vs. 20% Used a hotel, motel, or B & B: 62% vs. 56% Were more likely to spend $1,000+: 18% vs. 12% Traveled longer: 5.2 nights vs. 4.1 nights Traveled by air: 22% vs. 18% Were more likely to shop: 44% vs. 33%
“Nonprofit arts organizations in the United States support millions of jobs and generate billions in government revenue. We now know this is only part of the story. Arts audiences pump an additional $80 billion in event-related spending to local businesses each year.” - Mayor Bart Peterson, Indianapolis, and Chair,
the arts help drive the economy The nonprofit arts are an important generator of economic prosperity in the United States. In fiscal 2000, this sector of industry generated $134 billion in total spending ($53.2 billion by arts organizations, $80.8 billion in event-related spending by their audiences)… more than the gross domestic product of most nations in the world. The impact of this spending is far reaching: arts organizations pay their employees, purchase supplies, contract for services, and acquire assets within local communities. These actions, then, have a direct positive impact: supporting local jobs, creating household income, and generating revenue to local, state, and federal governments. This spending also causes what is called an indirect or “multiplier” effect. The dollars spent within communities are, in turn, spent on local goods and services by related business and individuals. Unlike most industries, nonprofit arts organizations leverage significant amounts of event-related spending by their audiences. Attendance at arts events generates related commerce for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Spending by nonprofit arts organizations supports 4.9 million jobs… a greater percentage of the U.S. workforce than is employed as accountants, lawyers, physicians or computer programmers. This industry also generates more than $24 billion in total government revenue.
resources Arts & Economic Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts Organizations and Their Audiences, 2001 Americans for the Arts (Funded by American Express and the National Endowment for the Arts)
How Art Economically Benefits Cities, 2006 Project for Public Spaces
Economic Impact of Non-Local Arts & Culture Consumers, 2004 (in partnership with the Cypress Research Group and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association)
Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, 2002 Arts Education Partnership
Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning, 1999 Arts Education Partnership and The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
Satisfaction and Outcomes Assessment: Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program of the Creative Center, Arts for People with Cancer, 2001 KCI Research and Evaluation
Really Caring: Why a comprehensive healthcare system includes the arts Susan Perlstein, High Performance #74, Winter 1996
Arts in Health: A review of the medical literature, 2004 Dr. Rosalia Lelchuk Staricoff, Arts Council England |
