Summary

Encouraging all communities to celebrate the arts with meaningful activities and programs for students, teachers, and the public

Story

Councilmembers are joined by representatives of the arts community after the County Council declared May ‘Art Education Month’ in King County. Front Row (l-r): CM Larry Gossett, CM Kathy Lambert, Jim Kelly, Executive Director of 4Culture, King County’s cultural services agency, Amy Whittenburg, Interim Executive Director of ArtsEd Washington, Una McAlinden, Former Director of ArtsEd Washington, CM Rod Dembowski. Back Row (l-r): CM Pete von Reichbauer, CM Dave Upthegrove, CM Joe McDermott, CM Larry Phillips, Charlie Rathbun, 4Culture Arts Program Manager, CM Reagan Dunn.

The Metropolitan King County Council today drew attention to the importance of arts education for the students throughout King County by declaring May as Arts Education Month.

“For a child, participating in and learning about the ‘aRts’ is as important as Reading, wRiting and ‘Rithmetic. It’s fundamental to their education and development,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, prime sponsor of the recognition. “Children with exposure to a diverse arts education grow up with the cognitive skills and ingenuity to not only enrich their community but work successfully in a variety of fields as well.”

“All kids should experience the joy brought by being involved in the arts – from a first finger painting project, to music concerts, dance recitals, and school plays,” said Council Vice Chair Joe McDermott. “We are all made richer by the way that the arts can transport us to another place and time, and open our minds to new perspectives.”

“The arts can be a powerful motivational tool in our schools,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “And every student can benefit from exposure to the creativity, imagination and initiative that an arts program brings to the classroom.”

The arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core content area in Washington State’s definition of basic education, and are considered an essential component of a complete education that should be provided for all students.

“Art is an essential part of our society. We should celebrate those that contribute in this field as they contribute ideas and creativity that make our world a diverse and better place to live,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “Without art, our society will lose its soul.”

“Arts education is vital for all children as it engages the right brain and encourages the development of creativity,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “This creativity will help us solve problems, add joys and enhance our quality of life.”

“Just like math and science, students need a strong background in the arts and I am pleased to recognize this month as Art Education Month,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

Education in the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternate ways of communicating and expressing feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding—thereby supporting academic success across the curriculum, as well as personal growth outside the classroom.

King County invests in arts and heritage education through 4Culture, a public development corporation chartered by county government to promote arts and heritage programs for all King County residents and visitors.

WHEREAS, the arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core subject in Washington State’s definition of basic education and are considered an essential component of a complete and balanced education for all students; and

WHEREAS, the arts enable students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, as well as cross-cultural understanding—all which support academic success across the curriculum, as well as personal growth; and

WHEREAS, imagination and creativity are increasingly understood as critical capacities needed for success in the 21st century workforce; and

WHEREAS, the arts have the capability to transform our schools into places of creativity and exploration, where students want to learn, teachers want to teach, and all members of the learning community are more engaged and motivated; and

WHEREAS, a high quality arts education involves a wide range of partners, including school boards, district administrators, teachers, parents, artists and arts organizations, local businesses, and community members, whose collective endeavors can provide an equitable arts education for all students; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the efforts and dedication of arts educators and advocates around the state, and we call for school and community leaders to continue to broaden and strengthen their commitment to arts education for “Every Student in Every School”;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim the month of May 2015, as

in King County and call on all residents to join us in recognizing the important role of the arts in education for all students.

DATED this fourth day of May, 2015.