Cultural tourism is the leading reason cited by travelers for visiting a community. The nonprofits arts industry creates over one million jobs for the American people. The arts industry, with the support of NEA, stimulates local economies and improves the quality of civic life throughout the country. The support given by the NEA to the arts community supports programs that enhance community development, promote cultural planning, stimulate business development, spur urban renewal, attract new businesses, and improve the overall quality of life in our cities and towns. The NEA makes the arts accessible to all Americans.
Arts education is a vital component in preparing America's children for the future.
Our countries high-tech industries indicate that they seek employees possessing the skills provided by a comprehensive education in the arts. Arts education has been proven over and over to help students increase cognitive development, inspire motivation and discipline, develop confidence and inventiveness, and hone communication and problem-solving skills. According to a study conducted by the College Entrance Examination Board in 1995, students who studied the arts more than 4 years scored 59 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher on the math portions of the SATs than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. July Festivals, At-risk Youth Projects, Historic Renovation, and Downtown Revitalization are all made possible by this wise investment by the American people. The NEA encourages private contributions to the arts industry.