PHOENIX, AZ (July 29, 2010) – The first statewide Arizona Arts Education Census shows that many Arizona schools have found ways to deliver arts education programs with few dedicated resources. Results from the statewide research show that nearly 90 percent of Arizona students have access to at least one arts education program, but that half of the schools responding to the survey reported no budget for curricular support in arts education and almost 8 out of 10 schools spent less than half-a-penny a day on arts education.
“The results show a remarkable dichotomy,” said Robert Booker, Executive Director, Arizona Commission on the Arts. “On one hand, we know that there are opportunities for students across the state to access arts education programs, but at the same time limited or no funding exists to support these programs. Some of our Arizona children are attending schools where they receive limited arts education and in some cases they receive none at all. One fact is very clear: the arts make a difference. Children receiving art instruction as part of their education have greater success in reading, mathematics, thinking and social skills, and are more likely to stay in school.”
