Arts education is a vital part of a complete K-12 education. Research and experience confirm that arts education helps students develop critical 21st century skills, and that it supports learning in other core subjects. We also know that participation in the arts helps keep children and teachers engaged, which in turn helps keep students in school. Yet many children in our state are not getting the quantity or quality of arts education they need.

The Arts Education Resources Initiative was developed to help us learn about the state of arts education in our state – what is working, where we can improve, and what we can do, working together, to provide better arts education for our state’s students.

Our success requires many partners: teachers and parents, principals and students, school districts and arts organizations, community leaders, artists, policymakers and funders. In the years ahead, the Washington State Arts Commission – working with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction – will continue to play a lead role in expanding arts education opportunities. We’re counting on you, too, to help achieve the state’s goal of arts education for every student.

— Kris Tucker
Executive Director, Washington State Arts Commission