The arts enrich the quality of life. All students deserve access to the arts through creation, performance and study. They understand and explore sound before they learn to speak. They draw pictures before they form letters. In addition to their intrinsic value, the arts contribute to children's development.
Works of art are some of the highest achievements of civilization.
In school, students learn the language of the arts and how to interpret visual images, sounds, movement and story. Because the arts are both universal and culturally specific, they are a powerful means of increasing international and intercultural awareness. Through the arts, students gain a greater understanding of their own cultural heritage, as well as a sense of the larger world community. The Illinois Learning Standards in the Fine Arts address the language of the fine arts, sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive qualities and how the arts are similar, different or related to each other. Students also learn about production and performance in the arts and the role of the arts in civilization.