NAMM has joined Arts ARE Education. This new national campaign strives to support the value of music and the arts for K-12 students in the post-pandemic era. The organization is also calling on NAMM Members to sign a pledge of support for arts education for all children.
The national campaign is comprised of a coalition of dozens of arts leaders and national organizations who are concerned that budget shortfalls and an emphasis on remedial curriculum addressing learning loss will impact access to arts education, particularly for students deemed at risk. The campaign urges grassroots advocates to reach out to district school leaders, legislators and community members to support funding to maintain and grow music and arts programs in the 2021-22 school year and beyond.
NAMM Members are asked to contact their elected officials to express support for arts education funding by clicking here.
NAMM Urges Members to Sign the Arts ARE Education Pledge
Members can also take action through the Arts ARE Education Pledge. The Pledge asserts that the arts are part of a balanced education. It also asks signees to commit to supporting equitable access to arts education that includes instruction in all arts areas. Anyone or any organization can sign by clicking here.
The campaign also provides an opportunity for school boards to adopt a formal resolution to assure all students have access to a well-rounded education that includes music and the arts.
“The arts will help schools and students rebuild and strengthen the sense of community lost during the pandemic,” said campaign spokesperson James Palmarini. “When we say the arts are education, we mean they are as fundamental to student success as any other subject area — right now maybe more so as they re-enter the in-school environment.”
In addition to the call-to-action, Arts ARE Education is hosting a variety of “Town Halls” virtually. These will offer updates and collaboration opportunities for state-level advocacy efforts. On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST, and presented by NAfME, music education advocates as welcome to join their peers in discussion. Learn more and register here.
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