WASHINGTON, DC (APRIL 7, 2022) -- Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has introduced a Resolution to the House of Representatives designating the weeks of April 10 through 23, 2022, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week (YA Week). The designation of YA Week will honor the contributions Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) has made to students and schools nationwide through arts in education programs.
The Resolution, introduced by Representative Pingree, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, and co-sponsored by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), who serves as co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, highlights the work of the YA network, and encourages Americans to recognize the important contributions the arts make to society.
The Resolution emphasizes that arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines, "is an essential element of a complete and well-rounded education for all students," enabling them "to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success nationwide as well as personal growth outside the classroom."
Read the full Resolution here
"Throughout Maine and across the country during the pandemic, the arts have nurtured young peoples' imaginations and been crucial outlets for their creative drives over a long two years," said Congresswoman Pingree. "As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Arts Caucus, I'm proud to introduce this Resolution to recognize Young Audiences Week, which gives us a prime opportunity to honor teachers' tireless dedication to improving the lives of our children through art. I know their advocacy will have a lasting impact far beyond the pandemic and for many years to come."
"A well-rounded education must include the arts," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "Arts education and STEAM programs inspire students to be creative throughout their lives and open doors to new possibilities. I'm pleased to work with Congresswoman Pingree and Young Audiences to increase access to arts education, and will continue to advocate for these programs to get the funding they need."
"The arts provide young people with the knowledge, passion, and creativity they need to flourish in curricular, career, and personal endeavors," said David A. Dik, National Executive Director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. "YA Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the deep and demonstrable impact of the arts on the learning, engagement, and development of students across the country."
An annual advocacy and awareness initiative first championed by conductor Leonard Bernstein in 1971, YA Week has grown into a national, two-week celebration of arts in education observed each spring. This year's YA Week festivities center around advocating for the enduring value of the arts for children and school communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
For more information on YA Week and ways to get involved, please visit www.youngaudiences.org/yaweek.
About Young Audiences Arts for Learning
Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning’s mission is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. We are the nation’s largest arts in education network, comprising local affiliates across the country that collectively impact over 5 million young people on average each year. The national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network works collaboratively to advance arts in education through advocacy, communications, fundraising, program development, professional learning, and other support. To learn more about Young Audiences Arts for Learning and explore our national network, please visit: www.youngaudiences.org
Contact
Emily House
Young Audiences Arts for Learning
emily@ya.org
