Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to help more students benefit from arts education.

Research shows that students who have access to arts education gain critical thinking skills, empathy, creativity, and better learning outcomes. The Arts Education for All Act would improve access to quality arts education and programming for early learners, K-12 students, and youth and adults involved in the justice system.

"The arts are the heartbeat of our communities, preserving our rich cultural heritage and inspiring the next generation of creators and storytellers,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Every child—no matter their background—deserves access to arts education that nurtures their creativity, strengthens their academic success, and empowers them to dream big. I am proud to co-lead the Arts Education for All Act because investing in the arts means investing in our children, our culture, and the future of New Mexico.”

“A quality arts education provides students with lifelong skills that benefit them no matter what path they take,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The arts also have a unique ability to heal, which is greatly needed at a time when many students are struggling with their mental health. Unfortunately, arts programming is often the first to be cut when schools face budget shortfalls and a lack of access to arts education disproportionately affects students from marginalized communities. The Arts Education for All Act will help give every student the opportunity to learn from the arts.”

"As one of the first states to mandate arts education in its public schools, Mainers understand and believe in the value and transformative power of the arts, especially for our young people," said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus. "Research shows that a strong arts education leads to better educational outcomes, including when it comes to standardized tests. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Arts Education for All Act, which would give millions of kids across the country a real opportunity to not only learn about the arts, but to be inspired by them—and become stronger lifelong learners because of it."

The Arts Education for All Act has been endorsed by 132 national, state, and local organizations and individuals, including Americans for the Arts, the American Art Therapy Association, Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Grantmakers in the Arts, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The full list of endorsements can be found here.

It is cosponsored by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Emily Randall (D-WA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).

The Arts Education for All Act will promote arts education and programming for youth and adults in early learning centers, K-12 schools, and juvenile justice facilities by:

• Improving arts programming in caregiving and early education

• Providing support for arts access in K-12 schools

• Making professional development for arts educators a priority

• Increasing the usability and accessibility of data on access to arts education

• Integrating the arts in afterschool and summer learning programs

• Facilitating arts education in the justice system

• Allowing arts education to be used in reentry and recidivism reduction efforts

A summary of the Arts Education for All Act can be found here, and the full text can be found here.