Press Release: Arts Advocates Launch Arts Education Campaign

FOR RELEASE: FEBRUARY 9, 2021

CONTACT: Dr. Joe Clark
EMAIL: info@txartsed.org
WEBSITE: TxArtsEd.org

Arts Advocates Launch Arts Education Campaign
Fine Arts Programs to be Highlighted in Legislative Session as Key Response to Covid-related Mental Health Concerns and New Workforce Skill Demands

AUSTIN, TEXAS, February 9, 2021 — A group of arts education advocates today announced the formation of a statewide advocacy and grassroots campaign – the Texas Arts Education Campaign (TAEC) txartsed.org.  

TAEC will educate Texas voters and lawmakers on the importance of fine arts (music, art, theatre, dance)  in preparing K-12 students. It will highlight the workforce skills that students develop through fine arts participation and how these programs address the emotional and mental health concerns resulting from the pandemic. 

This campaign will be led by Robert Floyd, Executive Director of the Texas Music Educators Association, and Dr. Joe Clark, President-elect of the Texas Music Administrators Conference (TMAC).

“The need for music and arts education is greater than ever – social and emotional learning (SEL) is critical for the well-being of our students,” said Floyd. “No other discipline provides both the connectivity eroded by this pandemic as well as the real-world skills that all jobs now require. Fine arts parents, boosters, and businesses know this. The legislature should know it, too,” Floyd continued.

According to Clark, “In order to become lifelong learners, students need to develop the creative skills that fine arts programs provide, no matter the profession they ultimately pursue."

Texas Arts Education Campaign

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