Every Student Deserves Access

Every student deserves the opportunity to create, innovate, and thrive through the arts, regardless of zip code or family income. Yet more than 2 million students still lack access to a quality arts education.

Arts in education drives student success across every measure:

• Academic Achievement: Higher test scores and graduation rates

• Workforce Readiness: Building the creativity and collaboration skills that 72% of business leaders say are essential

• Student Wellness: Providing emotional outlets and supportive communities

• Equity: Ensuring all students can access transformative learning experiences

That’s why federal policy must protect and expand access to arts in education—starting with protecting the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the largest national funder of arts education programs in communities across all 50 states.

Dear Arts Advocate,

National Arts in Education Week, September 14 - 20, 2025, is a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of the arts in every child’s life. Established by Congress in 2010, this week affirms what we know to be true: the arts build creativity, strengthen problem-solving, and fuel thriving communities. It all starts with access to vibrant arts education.

Americans for the Arts and the Arts Actions Fund are proud to join local, state, and national partners to elevate the importance of arts education and equip advocates, like you, with tools, resources, and action items to make a difference.

Office Hours: National Arts In Education Week Edition
TOMORROW! Friday, September 12 @ 2:00pm ET

https://pdot.artsactionfund.org/e/565082/JGozMSRsMCRoMA----registration/7wz1ps/2177874254/h/wQCQ1TSPHLhBEiG1r9AuerIOjnQLEe-RZHNlSNfAvdE

This special session brings together leaders from Capitol Hill, state and local communities, and the national stage to provide a comprehensive look at arts education advocacy:

• Capitol Hill Leaders
  Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12) will share how federal policy is shaping the future of arts education and how advocates can ensure it remains a national priority.

• State & Local Advocates
  Learn winning strategies from powerhouse leaders who have advanced access to arts education in their communities:

  • Lynn Tuttle, Executive Director & CEO, American String Teachers Association; Music IS Education Coalition

  • Dr. James Weaver, CEO, Music for All; Music IS Education Coalition

  • Nelle Stokes, Founding Executive Director, Magic Box Production

  • Danielle Laurion, Lead Teacher, Omaha South Dance Department

• National Perspective
  Adrian Anantawan, violinist and Americans for the Arts Johnson Fellow, will present his Virtual Chamber Music Initiative, a groundbreaking project bringing together researchers, musicians, doctors, and educators to expand access to music-making for all.

Together, these panels connect national innovation, federal policy, and local action, giving you concrete ways to strengthen arts education in your community.

Community Conversations: Arts Education Success Stories
Tuesday, September 16 @ 3:00pm ET

https://pdot.artsactionfund.org/e/565082/YESXuA2ZUWeTEkQQ--registration/7wz1pw/2177874254/h/wQCQ1TSPHLhBEiG1r9AuerIOjnQLEe-RZHNlSNfAvdE

Celebrate National Arts in Education Week by joining advocates from across the country for a community conversation. Building on our Office Hours session, this event will highlight success stories in arts education and give participants a chance to share strategies in small groups.

Featured Facilitators

• Mary Cogswell, Music educator and ArtsEd Alliance SD Chair

• Lilia Gonzáles-Chávez, DFA, Executive Director of the Fresno Arts Council and former Chair of the California Arts Council.

• Shannon McCue, Assistant Director, Collaborative Arts Research Initiative, University of Alabama.

• Alorie Clark, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.

• Jacob Fowler, Northern Tier Arts in Education Director with the Bradford Regional Arts Council (BCRAC).

Advocacy Toolkit: Take Action This Week

https://pdot.artsactionfund.org/e/565082/ational-arts-in-education-week/7wz1pp/2177874254/h/wQCQ1TSPHLhBEiG1r9AuerIOjnQLEe-RZHNlSNfAvdE

We’ve made advocacy simple. Download everything you need to unite with advocates nationwide during National Arts in Education Week:

• Newsletter & Website Content: Ready-to-use copy for your website or email blasts to rally your networks and encourage action.

• Social Media Templates: Shareable graphics and posts designed for Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

• Partner Email Template: Pre-drafted subject lines, key messages, and e-blast text to help you mobilize quickly.

• Legislative Priorities & Key Messaging: Clear talking points on why funding for the NEA/NEH, the HBCU Arts Act, the Arts Education for All Act, and well-rounded education programs matter, perfect for sharing with lawmakers, the media, and supporters.

• Calls to Action & Resources: Direct links to fact sheets, one-pagers, and our Arts Action Center to make contacting Congress fast and effective.

Together, these resources will help you amplify a powerful, unified message: Every student deserves access to the life-changing power of the arts.

Nina Ozlu Tunceli
Executive Director
Americans for the Arts Action Fund

                                                              
Arts Action Fund
1275 K Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20005
202.712.2035


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