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

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 pro-

Tgrams 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,

only three percent of schools allocated funds for dance, and only four percent offered theatre opportunities,” according to a Michigan Arts Education Survey. Here in Michigan, 108,000 students have no access to an arts education, despite state guidelines for it. The state’s educational guidelines call for students from kindergarten through high school to learn about dance, visual art, music and theater, and the Michigan Merit Curriculum requires students to complete one course in “visual, performing or applied arts” in order to graduate and receive a high school diploma. Yet schools chose to put art on the chopping block because it is not equal whatsoever to the funding for English, Math, History, and Science programs. Many school officials say that the arts are an important part of students’ education, but there is never enough in the budget for it. This same survey found “56 percent of schools budgeted $1,000 or less per year for the curricular support of arts education, and 27 percent reported no budget at all.” Mike Latvis, director of public policy for ArtServe Michigan, a non-profit arts advocacy organization in Michigan said he has known for a long time, “that with a lot of the cuts in per-pupil spending, many schools have been cutting back on arts education.” The state of Michigan has guidelines, but not mandates, that require school districts to offer arts instruction at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.. Due to this, students who attend districts with art programs typically only take the required one credit. Some kids feel that without some form of art they wouldn’t be able to express themselves or their individuality, and many see it as the only way to show people who they really are. Students like Carson Suttle ‘23 enjoy art because “it’s a way to express yourself, and I’ve made it into a business, so I can have a job doing something I like to do and have fun doing.” Art is a way for kids to relax and take away all their anxiety or stress, for however long they need. Lucy Phillips ‘24 feels that the arts are important to her and other students like her because “it just brings me genuine joy. I enjoy doing it, it doesn’t feel like a chore; it’s a way to express yourself. It’s good to have some way to get your feelings out; it can be therapeutic.” Brice Richards ‘24, when asked where he would be without art in his life, remarks “I’m not sure, I make a lot of music and art all the time, it makes me happy. Without it I wouldn’t have anything to do.” Hundreds of students like these rely on our nation’s art programs to express themselves. Art programs give our youth an outlet to stay out of trouble and to feel something. In a time when we could all use something to bring us a little extra joy, why do we keep taking it away from our future generations? In our community we are fortunate to have multiple avenues for anyone looking for art to enjoy. The Dennos museum and the Interlochen Arts Academy helps bring the arts to our community by holding music concerts, art exhibits, theater and dance. Students might go to Interlochen to try and become better at playing their instruments or to get vocal lessons for singing. All walks of life come together here to share their art with their classmates and develop a deeper love of their art. The Interlochen Arts Academy offers an immersive arts experience that fosters a sense of closeness discovered only through a deep, shared appreciation for the arts. Generations of artists and arts enthusiasts have experienced the special and intangible magic that transpires on Interlochen’s beautiful campus since 1928. Their mission statement, explains that art is so much more than pretty pictures or dances: “Interlochen Center for the Arts engages and inspires people worldwide through excellence in educational, artistic, and cultural programs, enhancing the quality of life through the universal language of the arts.” A college student is moved to tears by a story she is writing or a grandfather remembers the day he learned to play the trumpet. Children go to art museums on field trips. CEOs hear music in subway stations. Art inspires us to think outside of our everyday lives. To reach for dreams that are not yet a reality. When a song touches your soul when you need it the most, think about how that singer was once just a kid learning to sing in choir class. What would have happened if you hadn’t heard that song at just that moment? Would you feel the same without it? Teaching children to appreciate and find a lasting love for art is vital to our happiness as people. Michigan as a whole needs to do better, but it is up to communities like ours to recognize the importance of art education and continue to strive for better funding in schools. //