There’s no argument – when it’s time to cut funding or make ‘simple’ budget cuts, the arts are on average the first to go. As museums, theaters, schools and art centers feel the effect of the recession, it becomes increasingly more difficult to attract supporters. Arts institutions and school programs are closing, downsizing and reorganizing as our fragile economy runs its course. Our President’s most recent State of the Union speech promised science, technology, engineering and math, but what about the arts? Was that left out deliberately as irrelevant or ignored out of indifference?

Too often the arts are overlooked and considered “frivolous and unnecessary,” but the fact is – the arts teach us about humanity and how to be more civil and caring in the world. Creativity allowed to nurture expands possibilities and dreams. We should always promote imaginative and creative thought in our schools. The arts encourage expression, communication and exploration of our cultural and historical understanding. Arts education strengthens problem-solving, critical thinking, develops cognitive and creative skills and adds to overall academic achievement. Many great thinkers and inventors studied the arts and some even gained recognition as creative artists. Will we have another scientist, inventor and artist like Leonardo DaVinci? Bottom line is we do need artists in our world to connect us to understanding our humanity.

The general public is slowly beginning to understand the importance of art, but we are sure to have some hurdles to overcome as various programs are still being cut from our schools. Let’s always strive to allow creative expression to be included in our children’s curriculum. Their imaginations will bring us the products, lifestyles and even the sound and look of the future we will all inhabit. Look around and see how art in its many forms encompasses your life. See the beauty and inspiration that builds your world and remember to pass that along to everyone you know, especially children. Recognize how each and every creative program is a building block of our society.

I believe the arts will always survive, but we will need louder voices and individuals willing to stand up and remind us how important our creative world is. I am one of those voices, asking you to join with me and be a part of just one of the millions of changes we can make together.

Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.

About:

Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.