In Kansas and most of the United States, schools’ fine arts programs are receiving  severe budget cuts. However, they are vital to students’ education. There are so many things that people can benefit from fine arts programs like music, art, photography, theater, and graphic design. The arts are what makes us most human.

According to the KATY Independent School District, there is data that supports the belief that participation in fine arts is a key component in improving students’ learning in all academic subjects. It also says that fine arts programs reduce the amount of student dropouts, raise student attendance, develop better team players and enhance creativity. Fine arts also improve fine motor skills and emotional balance.

The arts also have other benefits besides those that are academic based, like promoting self-esteem, motivation, cultural exposure and emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. In a study by Burton in 1999, after studying more than 2,000 students, researchers found that those in a fine arts program were far superior in creative thinking, self-concept, problem solving, self-expression, risk-taking and cooperation than those who were not.