It is the very history, life and current state of the arts in America that demonstrates that the arts are essential to understanding ourselves, our communities, our relationships, and most importantly, our hopes. The arts build community in basic, everyday ways. We know that the arts teach our children and our families about our feelings and ideas, about language, values, history and beauty. We know that the arts teach us about people different from ourselves, building understanding in our increasingly diverse communities. We know that arts events attract more parents to schools than any other kind of activity.
Parents meet teachers, parents meet parents.
Relationships are furthered. The understanding of how our children learn is expanded. We know that art making brings generations together through shared experiences, oral histories and human partnerships between young and old. We know that arts build relationships between the people and institutions that make up our communities. It is the making and participation in the arts that is like a glue between people, ideas, institutions and communities.