Promoting Arts and Culture

As the daughter of a piano teacher and artist, I grew up in a house full of art and music. And now as a policymaker and education advocate, I understand the value of arts and culture in schools and in every community – urban, suburban, and rural. I am a strong supporter of funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, funding that goes to every Congressional district and leverages local dollars.

Arts Education: The arts are an important part of a well-rounded education and students who have arts education are more inclined to stay in school and do better in their school work. Additionally, arts education prepares students to be creative, confident critical thinkers who can collaborate and communicate. Those are traits that will serve them well no matter what path they take in life. I will continue to advocate for the passage of my bipartisan Arts Education for All bill.

Arts and the Economy: The nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes significantly to the economy, adding more than $1.2 trillion, which is more than 4 percent of the nation’s GDP. Music and arts venues bolster local economies, bring jobs, and support existing and new businesses like restaurants and shops. I’m working with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont on legislation to support non-profit theaters and arts venues as an economic development tool.

The Healing Power of the Arts: The arts have many positive benefits for both consumers and artists. Neurological research shows that the arts have the power to heal; in fact, we have seen positive results using art therapy for veterans with PTSD. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former U. S. Surgeon General, has said that “music is medicine.” In these challenging times, the arts can help bring us together and bring us joy, something we can all use more of.