Advocating for the Arts

Why is it essential to be an advocate for the arts?
The most important reason to be an advocate for the arts is because if we as art educators do not stand up for what we do and why we do it, how can we expect others to do it for us? We are one of the most impacted by a lack of advocacy for the arts in our communities. I am a strong believer in setting the example for others so that they may see their possibilities for action. That is why I enjoyed the two articles, The Business of Art Education: A Fairy Tale Adventure and Advocacy for Art Education: Beyond Tee-Shirts. Both of them provoke action and determination to serve as a spokesperson for the arts. They both established a relationship we as educators must have with advocacy, being informed and well-spoken so as to strengthen the impact of our leadership. We must foster support for what we do by actively communicating and seeking allegiance with anyone and everyone who has something to gain through arts education for all.

What are some of the things happening that could effect the arts?
Commonly in this our age of high-stakes testing students' time spent engaging in the fine arts is dwindling. A strong emphasis on attainment of satisfactory progress in core subject areas puts art education programs on the back burner. The first program to go when schools must play "catch-up" with their students is typically the art program. If there is no one there to speak out when these injustices occur (even sometimes to the extent that federal and local regulations for the fine arts are not being followed) the art programs are shortened or cut entirely. Art teachers' time and patience are worn thin by frequent inter-school, sometimes even inter district travel. On a brighter note, as the Iowa Core Curriculum is being revised, some prominent players in the fine arts in Iowa have devoted great effort to see these important subjects included in the Iowa Core. It has been met with some resistance thus far, but with all of our support, we can make it happen!

How can you as an art teacher communicate the importance of the arts to your students, faculty, parents, and community?
I see myself as a facilitator for important experiences to happen between others and the arts, not necessarily exclusive to my students, but the community as a whole. If I keep my students, faculty, parents, and community informed and, with any luck, engaged in the arts, I will create an atmosphere of advocacy to draw upon to instigate more meaningful, community-based projects that smear the boundaries between the classroom and beyond. To keep them informed and engaged means letting them know about opportunities to interact with art in the community such as at plays, festivals, art shows, galleries, classes, workshops, and so much more. Part of my method for encouraging participation will be pitching the positive impact art has on communities, by bringing us altogether, expressing and challenging important ideas, and fighting for justice! Not to mention the arts are just sooooo much fun! All of these parties will be informed on how to get involved with the arts, how to be an advocate, and opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the classroom through newsletters, brochures, and other simple publications. Word of mouth will also be a strong tool for communicating with these parties, as not all of them will read every paper that comes home or grab handouts when they visit their child's school. I would also like to maintain a website that provides the same information for those who prefer not to contribute to paper waste. At meetings with appropriate administrative figures and at school conferences, I can advocate for the arts with parents and faculty. I will rely on partnerships with other teachers and staff to create an interdisciplinary learning environment that will not only strengthen my students' understanding of multi-faceted learning, but also justify the existence of art in schools. Forming bonds with parents, faculty, and the community are some of the most important things I can do as an art teacher to ensure the fine arts thrive in my school and community! With a strong foundation of support, I am able to do even more that demonstrates how necessary the arts are. I am reminded of a snowball. Once it gets rolling down the hill, it only gets bigger and bigger.