A! Magazine for the Arts

U.S. House Designates "Arts in Education Week"

August 1, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On July 26, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 275, legislation designating the second week of September as Arts in Education Week.

Authored and introduced by California Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), this resolution is the first Congressional expression of support celebrating all the disciplines comprising arts education.

According to Americans for the Arts, "This is a very positive showing of support for arts education and comes at a key time when Congress is making plans to overhaul federal education policy. To send a message to your member of Congress in support for arts education, please visit our E-Advocacy Center."

As a House resolution, the bill does not require signature by the President upon its passage. The resolution seeks to support the attributes of arts education that are recognized as instrumental to developing a well-rounded education such as creativity, imagination, and cross-cultural understanding. H.Con.Res. 275 also highlights the critical link between those skills and preparing our children for gaining a competitive edge in the global economy. This is an important message for policy makers to acknowledge as they prepare to reauthorize federal education policy.

You can read the resolution here.

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