Velázquez Introduces Resolution to Designate Community Arts Education Day
Washington D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution to designate February 28th, 2024, as Community Arts Education Day.
The resolution aims to help increase awareness of how community arts education in different forms such as dance, music, theater, and literary arts stimulates learning, sparks activism, and supports the overall well-being of our communities.
“Exposure to community arts education cultivates cultural, personal, and social awareness,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “People who lack an outlet for self-expression look to community arts education to help them understand and thrive in the world they live in. This resolution will help raise awareness of the importance of community arts education in increasing inclusivity and providing individuals with the skills they need to thrive in social, academic, and professional settings.”
This resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Elanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).
"The National Guild for Community Arts Education is extremely proud to work with Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez' office in introducing such an important and necessary resolution. This resolution brings awareness to a discipline that enriches and benefits communities through a unique education model. Arts education is multifaceted and should be celebrated in the richness of its diversity. This legislation works to achieve such an endeavor and uplifts the communities that are positively impacted in the process," says Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education.
“Drawing upon our 30 years of research and program data, Local Learning, a National Arts Service Organization for Folk Arts in Education, knows that community arts education fosters lifelong learners who gain critical tools for sustaining cultural assets and strengthening community connections,” said Lisa Rathje Executive Director of Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education.
“We are thrilled to join in this important recognition of the vast benefits of community arts education for learners of all ages, civic and individual well-being, and creative expression.” Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras.
“We proudly endorse the Bill for National Community Arts Education Day, recognizing the invaluable contributions of arts education to our communities nationwide. The tireless efforts of Quanice Floyd have been instrumental in advocating for the importance of arts education in fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural understanding. This bill not only celebrates the transformative power of the arts but also underscores the need for equitable access to artistic expression for all. We urge all stakeholders to support this initiative and invest in the future of our communities through the arts” said Dr. Durell Cooper Founder, Cultural Innovation Group.
“The arts have always played a critical role in the development of the whole student, but these benefits are often forgotten in the rooms where policy is codified. This resolution, led by Rep. Velazquez, seeks to name the arts and its crucial role in education, and further uplifts the in- and out-of-school educators that do this work, the organizations that advocate and support our communities, and the need for continued resources and policies,” said Karla Estela Rivera Arts Administrators of Color Network.
“The arts are a critical foundation in a child's education, and learning about the arts of all cultures at a young age engenders empathy, tolerance, and openness. The arts enrich us as a society so early and ongoing participation is vital for our growth,” said Lisa Gold from the Asian American Arts Alliance.
“Music Changing Lives proudly stands with the National Guild and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez in endorsing the resolution to designate February 28th as National Community Arts Education Day. Through the power of music and the arts, we unite communities, foster creativity, and ignite positive change. Let us celebrate the transformative impact of arts education in shaping our society and empowering future generations,” said Josiah Bruny Music Changing Lives.
“Arts Education in schools is foundational to the success of our children and society,” said Jennifer Coleman George Gund Foundation
“Creative Generation recognizes the unique place of community arts education in the landscape of American communities and its impact in the lives of young people. Congress celebrating the rich tapestry of community arts education organizations, which have long stood in support of creative youth development, community-building, and social change, should elevate this field of practice and enable additional support from its stakeholders across the country,” said Jeff M. Poulin Creative Generation.
“Arts Education curriculum changes students' lives and community arts education enriches neighborhoods and prompts civic engagement in our most pressing contemporary social issues. The Theatre School at DePaul University is thrilled to endorse the resolution to establish a National Community Arts Education Day that will shine a spotlight on the work of arts educators and the impact of organizations doing this vital civic work in communities all across the United States,” said Diane Claussen The Theatre School at DePaul University.
“As researchers working in youth arts, we are in full support of this resolution. The positive impact community arts organizations have on young people is clear. Any attention we can bring to these spaces and the important relationships between artist-mentors and young people is welcomed. We hope this resolution garners more support for community arts efforts, advances the field, and ultimately supports meeting young people where they are at while allowing the space, time and resources to advance their expressive and creative endeavors,” said Julie KendigRISE Research & Evaluation.
“Community Arts Education has consistently bolstered both our collective and individual capacities, nurturing creativity, civic engagement, and academic growth. It serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and resilience, fostering safe and empowering environments that propel us toward progress,” said DeLashea Strawder Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit.
“Arts education is one of the most transformative things a child can experience, leading to better outcomes in all area of a students life,” said John Riedie Austin Creative Alliance.
This resolution is also endorsed by: Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), The National Network for Folk Arts in Education, National Art Education Association, Educational Theatre Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, Arts Education in Maryland Schools, Cultural Innovation Group, LLC, Arts Administrators of Color Network, Asian American Arts Alliance, Music Changing Lives, McNeil Creative Enterprises, University of Michigan, George Gund Foundation, Creative Generation, The Theatre School at DePaul University, Florida State University, RISE Research & Evaluation, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Austin Creative Alliance, San Diego Creative Youth Development Network, The Clare Rose Foundation Center for Creative Youth, and the League of American Orchestras.
For a full copy of the resolution, click here.