The Importance of Arts Education

I love theatre! I love music! I love to dance! I LOVE arts education! As an artist, educator, business owner, and parent, I am so passionate about providing access to arts education to our community and in our schools across the region.  It’s why I created MCCA and why I am so passionate about programs like JumpStart Theatre, and our new school program Read & Sing. I believe every person deserves to have access and exposure to the arts. 

My first exposure to performing arts was in my middle school play. I still remember the role, my costume, rehearsals with my friends, and feeling the confidence and pride in myself and my cast mates after our first performance. I found community, I found joy, I found confidence, and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It completely changed the trajectory of my path. Theatre taught me many skills including empathy, compassion, being a team player, dedication, time management, collaboration, problem solving, creative thinking, all while playing and having fun. Each experience challenged me and brought me closer to myself and to those around me. 

On the toughest days, I lean into the magic of the arts. I play pretend with my kids, I watch movies, I roll the windows down in my car and blast my favorite songs like I’m in my own concert, I read plays and books with my kids and we act out every role, we have dance parties, and I see as much live performances as I can as a mom of two. Seeing how naturally my boys lean into playing and the beauty of their imagination,  reminds me of how important and essential the arts are to our quality of life. 

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~Pablo Picasso

Research has consistently shown that arts education improves academic performance. Students involved in the arts often demonstrate better critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to other subjects like mathematics and science. The arts encourage innovative thinking, allowing students to approach challenges with creative solutions.

Moreover, arts education fosters collaboration and communication skills. Group projects in visual arts or performing arts require students to work together, share ideas, and listen to others, preparing them for future collaborative environments in both professional and personal settings.

Despite the clear benefits, arts programs are often the first to face cuts during budget constraints. This trend overlooks the essential role the arts play in developing well-rounded, adaptable, and culturally literate individuals. By investing in arts education, schools can cultivate a generation of students who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent and culturally aware. 

Arts education is indispensable in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, equipping them with vital skills for future success. Schools and communities must prioritize and integrate the arts to ensure that students and community members receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for a complex and dynamic world. I, and our amazing MCCA Team, will continue to build and advocate for arts education and programming so that every student has the opportunity to share in the magic of unlocking their inner artist! As my favorite arts organization, iTheatrics states, “Here’s to making the world a better place one musical at a time.”