​TALKING POINTS

RESEARCH

​

ART=OPPORTUNITY is a campaign started and implemented in San Diego County, funded with a grant from the Stuart Foundation, and highlighting arts literacy as vital to student success. Arts Education matters for “every child, not just mine.”

​

ART=OPPORTUNITY is based on three related strategies: Leadership, Literacy and Sustainability.

​

The ART=OPPORTUNITY campaign is facilitated by Center ARTES at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), Merryl Goldberg, Director, with the Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building, and the San Marcos Writing Project both also at CSUSM.

​

The campaign is rooted in research and includes several key components including summits for stakeholders, community anchor events celebrating arts literacy, leadership training for arts advocacy, and the development of university certificates in arts integration and arts education leadership. Participants in the campaign will range from teens to parents, classroom and arts teachers, school administrators, teaching artists, university students and professors, business leaders, and non-profits arts organizations.

​

WHY?

Students who are arts literate have more opportunities than those who do not. Arts literate students make a difference in our community.

WHAT IS ARTS LITERACY?

Literacy is more than being able to read word-based texts. For example, 21st century life is filled with visual symbols we read and interpret on a daily basis from apps on our smartphones to signs on the road. The visual and performing arts are texts we read and interpret giving us insight into culture and history as well as a forum to communicate our humanity.

​

ART=OPPORTUNITY/Workforce:

​

Arts literate students are creative students who can think outside the box, take risks, be flexible, and work cooperatively.

Arts literate students know how to innovate.
Arts literate students have access to better careers and higher paying jobs.

ART=OPPORTUNITY/Society:

Arts education develops students’ empathy and kindness.

Arts literate students develop confidence.

Arts education provides students with hope and resiliency.

Arts literacy opens possibility to ensure students are not invisible.

Arts Education gives students voice to participate in learning and to tell their stories.

ART=OPPORTUNITY/Education:

Arts literate students consistently have higher test scores in reading and math.

Arts literate students consistently have better attendance in School K-12.

Students who have studied arts have a better retention rate in college.

Arts Education provides purpose, reason, and individual exploration to children to influence better decision-making.