“Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.” (11 Facts About Arts in Education, para. 1) Participating in arts programs fosters a spirit of creativity and independence within students that carries through to other skills, such as reading and math (11 Facts About Arts in Education, para. 10). With such influential statistics it is a wonder, that between 2001 and 2011, state arts agencies lost 39% of their appropriated funds which included a decrease in creative programs within the public school systems. (Barsdate, para. 6) This lack of funding presents a problem to schools and their students at a time when increased opportunities are available to artists. According to statistics presented by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012; Graphic Design positions totaled 259,500, Interior Designers totaled 54,900, and Photographers totaled 136,300. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Multimedia Artists and Animators, as well as Craft and Fine Artists, also feature positions in the 50,000 plus range. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) With so many jobs available to artists why do the arts receive so little attention?
Project Statement
The decrease of art programs in the public education system requires alternative avenues of education to continue student’s growth in the arts. The purpose of this project is:
To provide a creative educational environment that enhances the human experience by providing access to the arts for the local community and encourages primary school students to discover art appreciation in interactive exhibits and activities that embody multiple learning styles.
My name is Stephanie Sullivan, I am a BFA candidate in the Interior Design Program at Savannah College of Art and Design completing my capstone project with an intent to graduate May 2014.