Giving Compass' Take:

• This Americans for the Arts blog post discusses a recent study that reveals how citizens feel about the arts — the results were mostly positive associations.

• It appears that most Americans support more funding for the arts and see the value to communities. How can we transform these observations into action?

• Here's how we can foster diversity among future leaders in music education and the arts.

There are many studies that document the social, educational, and economic benefits of the arts to communities. But how does the American public feel about the role of the arts in their lives? Do they value arts education and support government funding of the arts? How important is creativity at home and at work?  We put these questions directly to the public to find out.

“Americans Speak Out about the Arts in 2018” was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for Americans for the Arts in May 2018. It is based on a nationally representative sample of 3,023 American adults, making it one of the largest public opinion studies about the arts ever conducted. As one might expect when hearing from the public, we find a mix of assumptions challenged and observations confirmed.

  1. “The arts provide meaning to our lives.”
  2. “The arts unify our communities.”
  3. “Most of us seek out arts experiences.”
  4. “We experience the arts in unexpected places.”
  5.  “There is near universal support for arts education.”
  6. “We support government arts funding at all levels.”
  7. “We will vote for candidates who increase arts funding.”
  8. “We make art in our personal time.”
  9. “Creativity boosts job success.”
  10. “Cultural institutions add value to our community.”
  11.  “We donate to the arts.”
  12. “Not everyone in my community has equal access to the arts.”

Read the full article about the 12 things Americans believe about the arts by Mr. Randy I. Cohen at ARTS Blog.