Wednesday, July 13, 2016

A comprehensive study released today of American perceptions and attitudes towards the arts, titled “Americans Speak Out About the Arts,” revealed that the American public is more broadly engaged in the arts than previously understood. The majority believe that the arts play a vital role in personal well-being and healthier communities, the arts are core to a well-rounded education, and there should be more government funding for the arts.

The survey was conducted on behalf of Americans for the Arts by Ipsos Public Affairs in December 2015, polling 3,020 adults online on topics such as personal engagement in the arts, the personal benefits and well-being that comes from engaging in the arts, and if/how those benefits extend more broadly to the community, and support for arts education and government arts funding. 

Findings include:

The American public is engaged in the arts in many ways throughout the community—as attendee, arts maker, arts purchaser and decorator, and arts advocate. 

  • 68 percent of Americans attended an arts event in the past year; while an even greater 77 percent experienced the arts at a “non-arts” venue, such as a park, shopping mall, hospital, or airport.
  • People of color are more likely to attend arts events than their white counterparts (71 percent versus 66 percent).
  • 82 percent of Americans—regardless if they attend or not—believe that arts institutions like museums, theaters, and concert halls are important to business and the economy. 

The arts help people to be healthier, more creative, and actively engaged citizens. The arts unify and improve the quality of our communities, and improve understanding of other cultures—but there needs to be better access. 

  • 63 percent believe the arts are uplifting; 64 percent feel the arts are pure pleasure to experience and participate in; and 73 percent believe that the arts are a positive experience in a troubled world.
  • 67 percent believe that the arts unify the community regardless of age, race, and ethnicity, and 62 percent agree that the arts help improve the understanding of other cultures.
  • Despite these benefits, just 45 percent believe that everyone in their community has equal access to the arts. 
The majority of survey respondents believe the arts are key to a well-rounded education, suggesting that the American public is in sync with policymakers on including the arts as “part of a well-rounded education” in the ESSA reauthorization—but more students need access.
  • 88 percent believe the arts are part of a well-rounded education for K-12 students, including 56 percent who strongly agree (versus just 7 percent who disagree).
  • Nine in ten agree that it is important for K-12 students, in elementary (88 percent), middle (90 percent) and high school (89 percent), to receive an education in the arts—including dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.
  • 83 percent agree to the importance of the arts to students outside of the classroom and throughout the community.
  • Yet, 27 percent believe that students in their community don’t have enough access to the arts, most notably in suburban and rural communities, where the lack-of-access percentages increase to 31 and 43 percent, respectively.
The survey demonstrates that the public wants more government funding for the arts, and they are more likely to favor than to penalize candidates at the ballot box for providing it. Politicians can feel secure increasing government arts funding.
  • 58 percent support local—and 57 percent state—government funding grants to artists and arts organizations.
  • 43 percent believe that current government funding of the arts is not enough; only 26 percent believe it is just right.
  • 55 percent support an increase from the current 45 cents to $1.00 per person on federal grants to arts organizations, while just 19 percent disapprove.
  • 37 percent say they would vote for a candidate who wanted to make this funding increase; only 16 percent said they would vote against a candidate who wanted to increase federal spending on the arts to $1.00 per capita.
“These public opinion survey findings are particularly important to take into account in a presidential election year,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “They prove that Americans are deeply engaged in the arts and want the government to increase its investment in the arts. Candidates up for election can change the course of these issues through economic and social policies, and we have the power to influence them by getting out the vote.”
 
Ipsos Public Affairs—the third largest survey research firm in the world—conducted the survey online and polled adults ages 18 and over. Americans for the Arts last surveyed public attitudes towards arts education in 2005 and 2001 surrounding the Arts Ask for More campaign; the last broad survey was conducted in 1996, by polling firm Louis Harris and Associates.
 
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org
 
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Press contact:  
Inga Vitols
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