American’s for the Arts, a national arts service organization, recently published the following facts around arts education…

A student who has taken an arts education class at least once a school year is:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.
• 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.
• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance.
• 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.

“Not everyone who takes an arts or music class is going on to become a professional artist. Actually, very few do. But, students use the skills they learn in their arts class and apply it to a work setting. This is why students with an arts education background go on to be productive, creative employees,” said Americans for the Arts CEO Robert Lynch.

Need more proof? Check out the following articles, that focus on how arts skills might make our students better candidates for jobs in the “real world.”

Arts majors jump ahead of tech grads in landing jobs
USA Today

3 Reasons a Theater Degree is Important
Backstage.com

Is Music the Key to Success? 
by Joanne Lipman, The New York Times

Do you think having an arts background can impact job skills needed for the future workforce? Have something to say? Want to comment on how the arts is working in your classroom? Join the conversation by leaving us your comments and suggestions!

Then, discover more opportunities for arts education on our website!

(photo by Clay Jackson. Sphinx Virtuosi’s Carl St. Jacques talks with brothers Peter and Max Marra of Danville about the difference between a viola and a violin at the Boyle County Public Library. Sphinx musicians performed around town and hosted discussions during their two-day residency at the Norton Center.)