Funding for the arts is a wise investment

The Chicago Consortium of Community Music Schools is an alliance of several music and educational institutions in the Chicago area. As leaders in the arts, we are compelled to comment on the recent federal budget proposal put forth by the Trump administration, which completely eliminates funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). We urge our elected officials to reject this proposal and fight to maintain, or even increase, funding for the NEA.

There is no doubt that federal support for the arts is a wise investment. Our country's artists and arts educators enable us to celebrate creativity. The more we access the arts, the more opportunities we have for intellectual and aesthetic growth. Children especially benefit through arts education, building their brains and developing a confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

In addition, investment in the arts yields huge economic dividends. Funds from the NEA generate more than $600 million in additional matching funds. Arts and culture is a $730 billion industry that represents 4.2 percent of the nation's GDP and supports 4.8 million jobs. The arts are not elitist. Their economic and programmatic impact touches people in all 50 states, including U.S. military veterans benefiting from highly effective arts therapy.

We thank our elected officials for their past support for the arts and arts education. But we are also watching closely and counting on them to lead the effort to maintain and strengthen the NEA.

Susanne Baker, Director

Community Music Division, DePaul University and 71 others from Chicago Consortium of Music Schools