THE NEED:

- Budgets for NYC public schools for arts supplies and equipment have decreased by 79% since 2006.

- Less than 25% of NYC high schools provide arts instruction in dance, drama, music, and fine art.

- Less than half of all NYC public schools have dedicated space for performing arts instruction.

- NYC DOE 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 Arts in Schools Report

WHY THE ARTS?

- Students with high arts involvement achieve higher test scores, watch less TV, participate in more community service, and show more enthusiasm in school.

- source: UCLA Imagination Project, Dr. James S. Catterall, 1998,

- High arts involvement in high school corresponds with higher graduation rates.

- source: Center for Arts Education 2009 Report, Staying in School