Why the Arts Matter
Enhancing Quality of Life
“We believe strongly that the arts aren’t somehow an ‘extra’ part of our national life, but instead we feel that the arts are at the heart of our national life. It is through our music, our literature, our art, drama and dance that we tell the story of our past and we express our hopes for the future. Our artists challenge our assumptions in ways that many cannot and do not. They expand our understandings, and push us to view our world in new and very unexpected ways.
“It’s through this constant exchange — this process of taking and giving, this process of borrowing and creating — that we learn from each other and we inspire each other. It is a form of diplomacy in which we can all take part.”
– First Lady Michelle Obama, on why the arts matter. September 2009.
At the Arizona Commission on the Arts, we believe artists are entrepreneurs and arts organizations are small businesses – both of which are central to the success of the American economy.
The arts promote innovation and collaboration, and positively impact local economies, student learning and cultural understanding. Perhaps most importantly, the arts inspire, and can transform neighborhoods, communities, minds, hearts and lives.
The arts matter. In partnership with the arts industry, the Arts Commission endeavors to increase arts participation and co-create public value for the arts.
The following advocacy resources provide helpful information about the value of the arts and ways to actively advocate on behalf of the arts industry. These resources have been provided by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), a national membership organization serving the nation’s state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
Advocacy for Public Support of the Arts: A Civic Responsibility
The Arts in Public Policy: An Advocacy Agenda
A Long Term Vision for the Arizona Arts Industry
In countless surveys over the last several decades, Arizonans have affirmed their desire for access to vibrant, quality arts and cultural activities in Arizona communities.
Arizonans have indicated that a successful statewide arts and culture industry features the following five attributes:
1. Arizonans have access to vibrant, quality arts and cultural activities regardless of where they live – and have opportunities to participate in the arts as practitioners, professionals, patrons, donors and volunteers.
2. Residents have opportunities to make healthy livable wages working in myriad facets of the arts in Arizona communities. Their contributions are valued and respected.
3. Students have access to quality, robust arts education opportunities in Arizona schools. In-school arts opportunities are enhanced by meaningful opportunities in out-of-school and community settings.
4. Arts and cultural programs and organizations are considered societal cornerstones and employed as partners in the revitalization and sustainability of streets, neighborhoods and communities.
5. In recognition of the arts industry’s role in economic viability, profitability and enhanced quality of life, Arizona’s for-profit businesses invest in the arts as partners, supporters and champions.
The Arts Commission considers these five points to be a long-term vision for the statewide arts industry.
Search the Resource Library for more comprehensive current and archived advocacy resources.
