The Power of the Arts in Education

Taking the arts out of schools was the wrong decision as we are wired for the arts. Arts education is linked to lower dropout rates, higher achievement, and improved test scores. Arts integration should be in every classroom to enhance learning and build strong neural pathways. Cultivating creativity and artistic expression empowers individuals to understand and connect with others, fostering empathy and perspective-taking skills. The arts also contribute to physical health, such as using dancing for pain relief or virtual reality for chronic pain management. Engaging in the arts, both as creators and consumers, enhances cognition, memory, and emotional well-being. Food, storytelling, and communal activities like eating together create social connections and enrich our experiences with shared knowledge and traditions.