Out of the Spotlight by Grace Verhoeven staff writer
A feature on the lack of funding for the arts in the state of Michigan
Artwork Courtesy of Ms. Peoples’ Drawing Class
T
he arts are important to many people all over the world, and it’s in our best interest as a nation to keep art education in our schools. Without the arts, there would be no bright colors, no music, and no Broadway shows. Where would half of our history go, down the drain? People who watch television wouldn’t have actors to fill the roles and who would know how to sing the National Anthem at baseball games if the music program isn’t funded? Unfortunately, Michigan has been on the low end for funding these pro26 // BGQ // January 2022
grams compared to other states. Our community, however, provides diverse opportunities like programs at the Interlochen School for the Arts and the Dennos Museum. As our community continues to lead by example, hopefully our schools will continue to see improved programming and keep these creative outlets from becoming just another thing of the past. In Michigan, funding for art programs in schools has been on the low end of the national average. “During the 2009-2010 year for example,
