Arts in the United States

The percentage of elementary schools with a visual arts class declined from 87 to 83 percent. In drama, the drop was larger: From 20 percent to 4 percent in the 2009-10 school year.

Due to budget cuts and an increased focus in math and reading, music and art programs are being cut from schools across the country. 

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“You hear students say, `I found out who I was because I was able to explore my identity in the visual arts,'” said Bob Sabol, president of the National Art Education Association. “It validates who they are as individuals.”

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Art plays a huge role in child development. Art and music assist with motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness, and it improves overall academic performance. Art and music help kids to express themselves in ways they are otherwise limited to in other subjects such as Math and English. American schools have seen a drastic cut in these essential programs which have negatively impacted students.